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Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly

Children of Polygamists/Michael Gerson/Faith and Fire (#1109)

Young teens discuss the difficulties they face after leaving their fundamentalist Mormon community. [26 minutes]

This episode has not aired in the past few months on Iowa Public Television.

Series Description: This series provides in-depth coverage of the top religion and ethics stories of the week as well as religious and ethical perspectives on domestic and foreign events and the arts. Hosted by veteran journalist Bob Abernethy, the series brings viewers breaking news through live and taped reports filed by a team of correspondents in the field and interviews with prominent newsmakers.

All Episodes

This series provides in-depth coverage of the top religion and ethics stories of the week as well as religious and ethical perspectives on domestic and foreign events and the arts. Hosted by veteran journalist Bob Abernethy, the series brings viewers breaking news through live and taped reports filed by a team of correspondents in the field and interviews with prominent newsmakers. With a distinguished advisory board of 25 journalists, academics and religious leaders, the series includes reviews of religion- related books, movies and music, and features close-ups of people whose beliefs have prompted them to lead extraordinary lives. [26 minutes]

This series provides in-depth coverage of the top religion and ethics stories of the week as well as religious and ethical perspectives on domestic and foreign events and the arts. Hosted by veteran journalist Bob Abernethy, the series brings viewers breaking news through live and taped reports filed by a team of correspondents in the field and interviews with prominent newsmakers. With a distinguished advisory board of 25 journalists, academics and religious leaders, the series includes reviews of religion- related books, movies and music, and features close-ups of people whose beliefs have prompted them to lead extraordinary lives. [26 minutes]

This series provides in-depth coverage of the top religion and ethics stories of the week as well as religious and ethical perspectives on domestic and foreign events and the arts. Hosted by veteran journalist Bob Abernethy, the series brings viewers breaking news through live and taped reports filed by a team of correspondents in the field and interviews with prominent newsmakers. With a distinguished advisory board of 25 journalists, academics and religious leaders, the series includes reviews of religion- related books, movies and music, and features close-ups of people whose beliefs have prompted them to lead extraordinary lives. [26 minutes]

This series provides in-depth coverage of the top religion and ethics stories of the week as well as religious and ethical perspectives on domestic and foreign events and the arts. Hosted by veteran journalist Bob Abernethy, the series brings viewers breaking news through live and taped reports filed by a team of correspondents in the field and interviews with prominent newsmakers. With a distinguished advisory board of 25 journalists, academics and religious leaders, the series includes reviews of religion- related books, movies and music, and features close-ups of people whose beliefs have prompted them to lead extraordinary lives. [26 minutes]

This series provides in-depth coverage of the top religion and ethics stories of the week as well as religious and ethical perspectives on domestic and foreign events and the arts. Hosted by veteran journalist Bob Abernethy, the series brings viewers breaking news through live and taped reports filed by a team of correspondents in the field and interviews with prominent newsmakers. With a distinguished advisory board of 25 journalists, academics and religious leaders, the series includes reviews of religion- related books, movies and music, and features close-ups of people whose beliefs have prompted them to lead extraordinary lives. [26 minutes]

Congressional Vote - Freedom from Religious Persecution Bill Congress votes this week on the Freedom from Religious Persecution bill sponsored by Frank Wolf of Virginia and Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania. The legislation calls for the formation of a White House office for reporting of religious persecution. "Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly" reports on the renewed focus of religious persecution around the world specifically in Pakistan where there are Oblasphemy lawsO, which states that any non-Muslim can be put to death for OinsultingO Islam or Muhammad. Cover Story: The Dalai Lama's Visit to the United States - The Dalai Lama has just wrapped up a 15-day visit to the US that took him from New York City to Atlanta, Georgia. During his stop in Atlanta, His Holiness, the Dalai Lama told OReligion & Ethics NewsWeeklyO that he?s faces a dilemma of how to hold the Tibet people together and keep them on the spiritual path as well as effectively campaigning for Tibet?s freedom. RENW contributing correspondent and religious writer for U.S. News & World Report Jeff Sheler reports on the conflicting worlds of the Dalai Lama. Perspectives: Religious Persecution - "Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly" continues our look at the worldwide problem of religious persecution with a roundtable discussion. This week?s panel includes Nina Shea, director of The Center for Religious Freedom at Freedom House in Washington, DC, an advocate of sanctions designed to fight religious persecution and Rev., Dr. Joan Brown Campbell, general secretary of National Council of Churches who believes sanctions are ineffective. Feature: Israel at 50 - "Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly" concludes its look at Israel at Fifty with a report on the country?s non-Jewish population. RENW correspondent Paul Miller reports on the Muslim and Christian citizens of the Jewish State. Are they treated the same as other Jewish citizens? What does Israel?s 50th year celebration mean to them? [26 minutes]

Interfaith World Conference: A group of 32 religious leaders from around the world gathered this week in Poland to discuss problems of peace and violence. Delegates from the Catholic, Jewish, Muslim and Protestant faiths met in the southern city of Oswiecim, near Auschwitz, for a conference sponsored by the Center for Christian-Jewish Understanding at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. "Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly" correspondent Paul Miller reports on this week?s meeting designed to offer an open exchange of views about world religions? role in promoting peace and stopping violence. Cover Story: Military Chaplain: "Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly" commemorates Memorial Day with an in-depth look at the role of military chaplains. Jim Scott, RENW?s contributing correspondent recently visited the aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower and its crew and shows how the navy chaplains on board serve as counselors as well as spiritual advisors to a group of over 5,000 men and women during war and peacetime. How is the Navy able to meet the needs of a diverse group that includes Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, Muslims, Jews and Presbyterians? And should these men and women of God be helping their fellow countrymen prepare for war? Perspectives: Tolerance In Our Society: "Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly" host Bob Abernethy sits down with one of America?s leading sociologists, Alan Wolfe for a roundtable discussion on tolerance in our society. The author of "One Nation After All: What Middle-Class Americans Really Think About God, Country, Family, Racism, Welfare, Immigration, Homosexuality, Work, The Right, The Left and Each Other" discusses the levels of tolerance in this very diverse society. Are people tolerant of each other out of respect or is it because of indifference? Calendar: Kim Phuc: A Vietnam Story: To continue our observance of Memorial Day, the RENW Calendar takes a special look at Kim Phuc, who was the subject of one of America?s most vivid images of the Vietnam War. Ms. Phuc has come a long way since the picture of her at 9 years old running naked and screaming from her village of Trang Bang after a U.S.-ordered military air strike. What happened to her since that photo was taken? How has religion helped her heal after that tragic incident? [26 minutes]

News Item: Church Bombing - Over 30 parishioners were injured last Sunday when a bomb exploded at the First Assembly of God Church in Danville, Illinois. The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is continuing its investigation on the cause and possible connection to another church explosion which occurred five months ago at the Oakwood United Methodist Church just seven miles away. A volunteer, Brian Plawer was killed in that explosion. Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly covers the bombing and the reaction from its pastor Rev. Dennis Rogers. Cover Story: Sports Ethics? - Coaches, athletes, journalists, academics and students from around the country gathered in Tampa, Florida last week for a sports summit. The conference was sponsored by the Ethics Center at the University of South Florida. Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly contributing correspondent and New York Times sports columnist Robert Lipsyte reports from Tampa on the meeting that included discussions that ranged from violence, aggression and unsporting behavior to NCAA policing policies. Perspectives: Domestic Partners - New York City Mayor Rudolph Guiliani has introduced legislation that would grant domestic partners, both heterosexual and gay, the same rights as married couples in the city?s housing and union contracts. Cardinal John O? Connor voiced his opposition by stating, OAn institution as fundamental as the family cannot be manipulated. The institutional value of marriage must be upheld by the public authorities.O Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly?s roundtable discussion looks at this growing trend across the United States to extend benefits to domestic partners. What does this say about the institution of marriage? Our guests for this week?s Perspectives are Nancy Gallagher, New York Newsday columnist and author and Professor Nancy Sherman, Professor of Philosophy at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. Feature: Missionary Wives - Five years ago three American missionaries, David Mankins, Mark Rich and Richard Tenenoff were kidnapped in a small Panamanian village in front of their wives and children and taken to Columbia by suspected leftist guerillas. There has been no communication from the group and no confirmation on whether the three are still alive. To gain public attention and support, the missionaries? wives have recently gotten support from former Beirut hostages Terry Anderson and Terry Waite. How have the missionaries? families coped with not knowing the status of their loved ones? Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly correspondent Kim Lawton talks extensively with the wives of these missing missionaries about how religion has helped sustain them during this period of waiting. [26 minutes]

In this episode, the following topics were covered: News Item: House Vote Religious Freedom Amendment -- The controversial Religious Freedom Amendment was scheduled for a House vote this week. The Republican backed proposal sponsored by Rep. Ernest Istook (R-OK) calls for constitutional protection for voluntary self-initiated prayer in school, allowing the posting of the en Commandments in public spaces and protecting the display of religious symbols in public spaces. The bill received additional momentum when the Christian Coalition recently announced that they were contributing more than $500,000 to support the proposed legislation. Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly correspondent Paul Miller reports on the vote's outcome and looks at the Religious Right's drive to get the bill passed. Cover Story: Tobacco and the Church: Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly takes an in-depth look at the relationship between tobacco growers and the church. RENW contributing correspondent and former NBC News correspondent John Dancy visits a small town in North Carolina and talks to some of the families that have been tobacco farmers for generations and religious figures about the ethical conflicts facing tobacco farmers. Feature: Founding Fathers Exhibit - What part did religion play in the founding of the United States? Answers can be found in an exciting and comprehensive exhibit opening this week at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly takes a peek at the display Religion and the Founding of the American Republic and talks with Librarian of Congress James Billington about the exhibit and the founders' thoughts on the separation of church and state. [26 minutes]

Cover Story: The Southern Baptists held their 141st convention in Salt Lake City, Utah this past week. But even before the convention began, the group launched one of its largest evangelic campaigns. The targeted group: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly correspondent Kim Lawton follows one of the Southern Baptists' teams as it went door-to-door. Why did the Southern Baptists feel so strongly about this mission? And what was the reaction from LDS members?
Perspectives: Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly continues our coverage of the Southern Baptists' conference with a discussion on the newly-revised Faith and Message statement that states that women should submit graciously to their husbands. Why did the Southern Baptists decide to revise their statement now? Should the term submit be used literally? Joining RENW host Bob Abernethy are Richard Land, president and CEO of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission for the Southern Baptists Convention and Nancy Ammerman, professor of Sociology of Religion at Hartford Seminar in Hartford, Connecticut.
Feature Story: Religion and Ethics NewsWeekly takes a look at the embattled president of the nation's largest black denomination, the National Baptist Convention, USA. Reverend Henry Lyons has been indicted for racketeering and theft for allegedly stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars meant for the denomination and the rebuilding of black churches. His indictment has split the powerful Convention. Award winning journalist and Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly contributing correspondent Juan Williams talks to the general secretary of the convention, the Reverend Roscoe Cooper who supports Lyons, as well as a board member who tried to oust him. Minister and author Michael Eric Dyson puts this controversy in context of the history of the convention and the black culture and its themes of redemption and forgiveness.
[26 minutes]

On this episode, Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly contributing correspondent Margaret Wertheim reports from California on the new drive to build a community of scientists willing to work with theologians. News Item: Anti-tobacco legislation and a campaign to reach out to minority communities were just two of the many items on the agenda for the annual General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. meeting being held this week in Charlotte, North Carolina. Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly contributing correspondent and former NBC News correspondent John Dancy looks at the denomination's 564-member General Assembly and its push to change the annual meeting's focus from debating the ordination of homosexuals to proposing ways to rebuild its dwindling membership. Cover Story: Sex and the Pulpit: ?And then his tongue went in my mouth. An d my life has never been the same since.? Those were the chilling words of a women sexually abused by her priest. Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly takes an in-depth look at what happens when male clergy cross the forbidden line of trusted advisors and counselors and take advantage of their female parishioners. RENW correspondent Mary Alice Williams talks to victims about the abuse not only from the clergy but the church itself and to the abusers about the consequences after this betrayal of trust. [26 minutes]

On this episode, Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly takes a look at Alabama's hotly contested gubernatorial Republican runoff slated for Tuesday, June 30. The state's GOP is split in its support between Alabama Governor Fob James and Wilson Blount, a Montgomery car dealer and plastics manufacturer. A recent Mobile Register-University of South Alabama poll showed that 62% of fundamentalists support Gov. James and 38% support Blount. RENW correspondent Paul Miller reports on the race where school prayer and the Ten Commandments are strongly debated issues. Cover Story: Computers and Soul - Is it possible to build a robot with a conscience? Science fiction fans and writers have fantasized about creating a machine that sees, thinks and feels like human beings. But is a robot, similar to Commander Data, the android robot seen in Star Trek: The Next Generation, a real possibility? The idea might not be as far-fetched as it seems. Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly reports on an ambitious project sponsored by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology that would produce a mechanical being with emotions. RENW contributing correspondent, Margaret Wirtheim talks to project head Rodney Brooks and his team about the robot named Cog and the theory that humans are just complex machines, as well as the theological questions raised. [26 minutes]

On this episode: Aid for Florida Fire Victims -- Fires have devastated over a half-million acres in Florida since Memorial Day. Fundraising efforts by religious groups across the United States aimed at helping those who have lost homes. The Florida Baptist Convention and Operation Rescue, headed by Rev. Pat Robertson, is one of those organizations. Just a month ago, Robertson made comments warning the city of Orlando not to allow rainbow flags honoring Gay Pride Month to be displayed from street light posts. Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly reports on Robertson's controversial comments toward the region. News Item: Pope John Paul's Papal Letter -- For the second consecutive week Pope John Paul II has issued a papal letter urging Catholics around the world to remember the Sabbath. Violators, according to his statement, should be "punished as a heretic." Cover Story: Greek Orthodox Church Biennial Meeting -- America's Greek Orthodox Tensions met in Orlando, Florida this past week for its biennial meeting. Kim Lawton reports from Orlando on the conflicts within the church and talks exclusively with the head of the denomination, Archbishop Sypridon. Perspectives: Irish Catholic - Protestant Unrest --Tensions continue to run high in Northern Ireland as Protestant marchers are denied access through a Catholic neighborhood. This week's Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly roundtable discussion focuses on what the region's religious organizations are doing to resolve the conflict. Feature: Hajj Part III - This week's Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly concludes its report on an American's first pilgrimage to Mecca with a look at what life is like after Hajj. [26 minutes]

In this episode, Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly correspondent Paul Miller talked with participants in the Interfaith Pilgrimage of the Middle Passage, which comprises 50 men and women of different ethnic, racial and religious affiliations, during their stop in Washington about their goals and how religion is playing a part in their mission of healing the wounds of slavery. Next was a segment about Bible study in public schools, correspondent Kathy Barber Hersh reports from Florida on what some are calling a "battle of religions." The program continued with a roundtable on bible study curriculum controversy with Dr. Charles C. Haynes, a Scholar in Residence at the Freedom Forum. One of the country's leading authorities on religious liberty issues, Dr. Haynes talks with RENW chief correspondent and guest host Maureen Bunyan about the complexities that go with establishing bible-study courses for public schools. The program concluded with a Reynolds Price profile - How does a person deal with cancer? The noted author and poet Reynolds Price had to answer that question in 1984 when he was diagnosed with spine cancer. Price talks extensively with chief correspondent and guest host Maureen Bunyan about his painful treatment and the religious vision that ultimately had an impact on his recovery, his life and his writing. [26 minutes]

This week on Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly, correspondent Paul Miller reports from Capitol Hill on this week's House vote and takes a look at why abortion will be a hot issue during the current election season. Next was a discussion about atheist's beliefs. NBC and contributing RENW correspondent Betty Rollin reports from the annual meeting of the Freedom from Religion Foundation. Rollin talks with members of the organization about their reasons for being atheists, what they do believe in and the dangers that go along with being a part of what many view as a very unpopular group. The program continued with a segment about progress in cloning research. The program concluded with a segment about the controversy surrounding the Bethany Memorial Reformed Church in New York City, which has served as a haven for cancer patients and their families by providing affordable accommodations while they were seeking treatment at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. [26 minutes]

This episode began with a report about supporters of citizens of Southern Sudan who rallied in front of the White House this week to protest the devastating conditions in that country and demand famine relief assistance. The program continued with a segment about the increasing number of women lay ministers. Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly reported on this trend with a look at Kate DeVries, a former special education teacher currently serving as lay leader to a Catholic parish in a Chicago suburb. R & E contributing correspondent Judy Valente reported from Chicago and talked extensively with DeVries about her calling, her love for the church and her frustrations regarding the role of women in the Catholic church. Next was a segment that focused on the devotional and challenging life of Mepkin Abbey as it struggles to survive. The program concluded with an exploration of the Jewish observance of Tisha B'Av, a holiday that commemorates the destruction of the first Temple in 586 BCE by the Babylonians and the second temple, rebuilt about 70 years and destroyed in 70 CE by the Romans. [26 minutes]

On this episode of Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly, correspondent Kim Lawton reports about world-wide Christian relief efforts-and to opponents who believe that traditional relief efforts are prolonging the famine in Sudan. In an overwhelming vote of 526-70, Anglican and Episcopal bishops from around the world proclaimed that homosexual activity is incompatible with Scripture and that homosexuals should not be ordained as priests. R&E correspondent and Religion Editor Chris Roberts reports from Canterbury on the historic meeting and the conflicts between the conservative African and Asian bishops and the liberal Western clergy. Next, Washington Post columnist and author E.J. Dionne joins Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly executive editor and host Bob Abernethy for a roundtable discussion on recent events surrounding independent council Kenneth Starr's investigation on President Bill Clinton's relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. They discuss how the president, the press and the American people can put this matter behind them. R & E correspondent Judy Valente talks with the members of The Angel of Hope Church, a progressive Christian church in Fort Worth Texas, about what attracted them to this diverse congregation as well as a minister strongly opposed to the Angel of Hope's doctrine. [26 minutes]

This episode begins with a look at the religious freedom and protection legislation presented to Congress so far this year. R & E correspondent Paul Miller talks with Will Dotson, legislative director for the Southern Baptist Convention and Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, about the pending bills and their expected outcome during this election year. Next, a segment about Mennonites: members of the Old Order Mennonite Church located in St. Mary's County in Maryland normally lead a quiet, uncomplicated and spiritual life secluded from the world. But that all changed last February when tragedy struck one Mennonite family. Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly reports on the historic community's response to this tragedy and how the two extremely different cultures came together and found good things about each other. The program concludes with a discussion with one of America's leading sociologists, Alan Wolfe, for a roundtable discussion on tolerance in our society. The author of" One Nation After All: What Middle-Class Americans Really Think About God, Country, Family, Racism, Welfare, Immigration, Homosexuality, Work, The Right, The Left and Each Other" discusses the levels of tolerance in this very diverse society. Are people tolerant of each other out of respect or is it because of indifference? [26 minutes]

In this episode, Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly reports on the ongoing conflict between Catholics and Jews in Poland over the placement of crosses outside Auschwitz, the former Nazi concentration camp. It was reported this week that the Council of the Episcopate, the highest body of Poland's Catholic Church, called for a large cross near the camp to stay in place but for other smaller crosses to be removed. The group also appealed for people to stop planting additional crosses. But Poland's chief rabbi, Pinchas Menachem Joskowicz, rejected the proposal, stating that any number of crosses near the site would denigrate the memory of those Jews who perished in the camp during World War II. Next was a segment about the rise of violence in public schools across the country last year. One of the areas most affected by the violence was Springfield, Oregon, where a 15-year-old student took the lives of two students and wounded 22 others during a rampage at a local high school. Correspondent Tom D'Antoni reports from Oregon on how its religious community is helping students and residents recover and move on from this devastating act of violence. In this week's Perspectives segment, Professor R. Scott Appleby from the University of Notre Dame and Professor Azizah al-Hibri, from the University of Richmond discuss the nature of the Islamic religion and talk about the differences between the Islamic mainstream and the Islamic extreme factions. Finally, a segment about religious summer camps - Anisa Mehdi goes to camp and looks at a Muslim, Jewish and Christian summer getaway for kids designed to reinforce and fortify religious and ethical values they learn throughout the year. [26 minutes]

This episode began with a segment about public opinion of Bill Clinton's problems. Next was a segment on the White House Prayer Breakfast with Religious Leaders - on Friday September 11, which was hosted by President Clinton and Vice President Al Gore. The breakfast was called to support the President's race initiative, but all minds were on the President's legal and moral problems. Kim Lawton reported on the breakfast and the reactions of the guests and why religious leaders have been unusually tepid in their comments about the President's problems. The segment included perspective from Rev. James Dunn, executive director, Baptist Joint Committee and Rev. James Forbes, Riverside Church, New York City. Next was a story about the National Baptist Convention in Kansas City and its leader, Rev. Henry Lyons, who has been indicted for embezzlement of church funds, among other charges. Until now, the group has continued to support Lyons in spite of his legal problems and recent admissions of marital infidelity. Contributing correspondent Lynn Neary of National Public Radio reported on whether the National Baptist Convention will continue to stand by their man. The program concluded with a segment about Christian Rock. Correspondent Lucky Severson took a behind-the-scenes look by at one of the fastest growing music industries in America today - Christian Rock - profiling of some of its hottest and sometimes controversial artists. [26 minutes]

This episode began with a report from RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY's managing editor and correspondent Kim Lawton in which she explored what part religion is playing in the redemption of Bill Clinton. The second segment contained a report from Bob Abernethy on the religious right's reactions to President Clinton's dilemma at the Christina Coalition's annual meeting September 18 and 19 in Washington DC. In the third segment, Religion & Ethics Newsweekly took a closer look at one of this country's most difficult moral issues. Contributing correspondent Tom D'Antoni reported on the heart-wrenching story of an Oregonian stricken with cancer who has decided to use the Death with Dignity law. In the fourth segment, Religion & Ethics Newsweekly correspondent Herb Kaplow talked with Rabbi David Hartman, head of Israel's Hartman Institute, about the state of Jewish - Arab relations and the strain between the country's ultra Orthodox community and its more liberal Jewish residents. [26 minutes]

News: Recently the government of Iran disassociated itself from the "fatwa," or death decree, ordered by the Ayatollah Khomeini in 1989 against author Salman Rushdie for blasphemous statements in his book "The Satanic Verses." Muslim hard-liners in Pakistan, however, have attacked Iran for "going soft on Rushdie." RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY reports on Pakistan's strict and controversial blasphemy law that some say is being used to persecute minority religions, especially Christianity. Contributing correspondent Jennifer Griffen reports from Islamabad on the increasing numbers of blasphemy cases in the past five years and why these cases are now being brought to trial. Cover Story: One of the country's most vocal polygamists, Alex Joseph, passed away last Sunday at the age of 62. Polygamy has long been associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) even though the LDS Church outlawed the practice in 1890. RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY takes a closer look at this illegal practice with a report on a small town whose entire inhabitants are polygamists. Correspondent Lucky Severson talks in-depth with a husband and his wives as well an opponent who believes polygamy is a form of spousal abuse. Feature: RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY takes you back to the simple life. With photographs and text, noted theologian Martin Marty and his son Michah have compiled "When True Simplicity is Gained," a book detailing the simplicity and spirituality of a Shaker village in Pleasant Hill, Kentucky. [26 minutes]

On this episode, RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY correspondent and managing editor Kim Lawton talks to Carole Collins, national coordinator of Jubilee 2000 U.S.A., one of the international groups calling for a more humane solution to this economic emergency. Cover Story: The Canonization of Edith Stein - On October 11, Edith Stein (Sr. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross) will be officially declared a saint by Pope John Paul II in Rome. Stein was born in October 1891 in Breslau, Germany to a Jewish family. She converted to Catholicism in 1922 and entered the Carmel of Cologne in 1933. In 1942 the Dutch Bishops denounced the Nazi deportation of Holland's Jews. As a retaliation, the Nazis deported Edith Stein and her sister Rosa to Auschwitz. Edith Stein was killed in the gas chambers at Auschwitz on August 9, 1942. The upcoming canonization ceremony has caused increased tensions between Catholics and Jews. RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY takes an in-depth look at the life of this remarkable woman and how this event will impact Catholic-Jewish relations. Perspectives: Freedom of Speech or Bad Taste? Demonstrations for and against "Corpus Christi" the controversial play featuring a gay Christ-like figure are scheduled for its October 13 opening at New York's Manhattan Theatre Club. RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY executive editor and host Bob Abernethy talks to Joseph Bottum, books and arts editor for The Weekly Standard, and Joan Bertin, executive director at the National Coalition Against Censorship, about the new production. How far can freedom of artistic expression be carried or are there some boundaries of taste that should not be crossed? [26 minutes]

This episode began with a report on religion in the news, covering the 2,000 demonstrators who were on hand this week during the opening of "Corpus Christi," the controversial off-Broadway play featuring a gay Christ-like figure; and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), who held a press conference strongly objecting to the negative stereotypes of Arabs and Muslims in the soon-to-be-released motion picture "The Siege." The report also focused on a rallying call for Catholics and Muslims to join forces to combat this new "racism." Following the report, correspondent Kim Lawton spoke to CAIR spokesperson Mohamed Niemer and Kenneth Whitehead, board chair of the Catholic League for Religion & Civil Rights, on this new trend and the importance of presenting a united front. Next was the first of a two-part report on Peru's severe monetary problems. It has been reported that forty years ago half of Peru's population lived below the poverty line; it's the same today, except the country's population has soared to 26 million. Juan Vasquez reported on the devastating stories of these young victims in this poverty-stricken region. The program concluded with a discussion with Archbishop Tutu about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report, scheduled to be announced Wednesday, October 28. Topics included what effects the findings will have on South Africa, his experience with confession and forgiveness, and lessons that might be applied to the United States. [26 minutes]

This episode began with a recap of the week's news, including the story of two missionaries belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who were attacked in the Russian city of Ufa late last week. This year, Mormons have been the victims of other violent attacks. In March, two missionaries were kidnapped by two men and held captive for 5 days before being released unharmed. Correspondent Eve Conant looks at how the Mormon mission is responding. The next segment focused on the victims who are struggling to rebuild their lives spiritually and emotionally and deal with the desire for revenge and the will to forgive after the Oklahoma City bombing. In the third segment, Dick Russ sat down with John Glenn for an in-depth discussion on his beliefs and what effects space travel has had on them. The program concluded with a special report about divorce. Thousands of Orthodox Jewish women around the world are trapped or ?chained? to husbands who refuse to release them from marriages dissolved through civil courts. Betty Rollin takes a special look at a growing number of Orthodox Jewish women (as known as Agunah) whose husbands have refused to grant them a Jewish divorce or ?get? and the painstaking process and a controversial solution that has helped over 200 women worldwide. [26 minutes]

This episode began with an update on the plight of three wives of American missionaries whose husbands had been kidnapped in a small Panamanian village and taken to Colombia by suspected leftist guerillas almost 6 years ago. This week, Nancy Mankins, Tania Rich and Patti Tenenoff met with Colombia?s newly elected President Andres Pastrana in Washington where he stated that he would make their husbands' case a top priority. The second segment focused on the influence that religious organizations have on this year?s campaigns. Correspondent Paul Miller focused on Kentucky?s congressional Fourth District race between Democratic nominee Ken Lucas and Republican Gex Williams and reported on the active role that two religious groups, the Christian Coalition and Interfaith Alliance, are playing in this close race. The next segment was about the involvement of The American Muslim community in the country? s political process. This report focused on the increased interest and efforts of this rapidly growing community in American politics. Correspondent Anisa Mehdi spoke to Muslim and American politicians about this rapidly growing political base. The program concluded with a lively roundtable discussion with Washington Post columnist E. J. Dionne and New York Times religion reporter Laurie Goodstein about the religious and ethical issues in next week?s election. [26 minutes]

Despite massive organizing and get-out-the-vote campaign efforts, the Christian Coalition was unable to deliver enough voters to produce a large-scale conservative success. Correspondent Paul Miller takes a close look at vote tallies from across the country and attempts to determine what went wrong in several races where conservatives slated to win--and backed by the Christian Right--fell to their Democratic opponents. Billy Graham has preached the gospel to more live audiences than anyone in history, counseled every president since Harry Truman, and significantly changed the face of evangelism in the 20th century. On his 80th birthday (November 7), managing editor and correspondent Kim Latin examines the impact of his close-to-50-year career and explores what the future holds for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The third segment explores a little known religious haven in Sherborn, Massachusetts - the Peace Abbey. Behind the ordinary facade of a suburban home, the Peace Abbey provides a place for the world?s religions to in tertwine. Founded in 1986 by Lewis Randa, the Abbey attempts to create a sanctuary where the world?s 12 major religions can be revered under one roof. A Koran rests next to a Torah. A statue of Mother Teresa looks down upon a sitting Buddha. Four times a day, the Moslem call to prayer is issued through a loud speaker and guests are invited to recite prayers for peace from each of the major religions. Correspondent Judy Valente explores the intricacies of the Peace Abbey and examines the recent trend of creating an individual spirituality that draws from many different religions. [26 minutes]

This episode began with a report from Kim Lawton on the Catholic Bishops Conference in Washington, D.C. Next was a segment about some of the non-legal issues raised by the House Judiciary Hearings into the impeachment of President Clinton. These issues include the President?s repentance, forgiveness, private behavior versus public actions, and privacy. RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY examined how these moral qualities intersect with the political process and seek to provide guidance on how to evaluate the Judiciary Committee Hearings from a moral, ethical and religious perspective. The program continued with a preview of the inspirational hymn ?The Storm Came to Honduras.? Set to the tune of Bach's ?O Sacred Head Now Wounded,? written by Reverend Carolyn WinfreyGillette, about the anguish and confusion felt by the victims of Hurricane Mitch and those who have pledged to help. The episode concluded with a segment about the Mirimax film, ?Life Is Beautiful,? the touching story of a family facing the horrors of the holocaust. This picture focuses not on the terror of the Nazi regime, but on the defense that one man uses to save himself and his son--his humor. Correspondent Martha Bayles reported on the intricacies of this film and its philosophical and spiritual look at humor. [26 minutes]

In the first segment, Religion & Ethics Newsweekly joined Nike and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) at a groundbreaking ceremony in Falls Church, Virginia. In 1997 Nike released to the market a tennis shoe with a logo emblazoned on the back that clearly resembled the Arabic spelling of the word God. CAIR contacted Nike and convinced them to discontinue the use of the logo. Nike also agreed to help out with development projects in the Muslim community. At the Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center last week, Nike representatives and CAIR officials looked on as construction began on a Nike sponsored playground for Muslim youths. In the next segment, David Beckman, President of Bread for the World, a Christian anti-hunger group discussed international debt, world hunger and whether it is a lack of supply or a lack of political will that is the cause of worldwide hunger. Next, Martha Bayles examined the way in which Christian author C.S. Lewis, famous for his children?s series ?The Chronicles of Narnia,? contributed a great deal toChristianity through his writings; the life and legacy of this great author; and the impact his writings have had on people across the globe. The program concluded with a segment about how musical tastes are changing and more and more churches are using rock music and ?praise bands? in their services. [26 minutes]

News/Cover: December first was World AIDS Day. The United Nations reports that 33 million people are infected worldwide with the HIV virus. In America, the disease has reached epidemic proportions within the African American community. RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY correspondent Juan Williams attended a World AIDS Day rally in New York by prominent black preachers. We take a look at what the black church in America is doing to help curb the spread of this deadly disease. Feature: RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY correspondent Verta Mae Grosvenor explores the spirituality of the Gullah culture. Isolated from mainland America until the mid-twentieth century, the Gullahs--descendants of West African slaves--flourished on the barrier islands of Georgia and the Carolinas. We visit one of these islands and get a glimpse of the unique blending of African and Christian practices passed down by the Gullah people. Perspectives: In our perspectives segment this week, we talk with David Beckman, President of Bread for the World, a Christian anti-hunger group. We will discuss international debt, world hunger and whether it is a lack of supply or a lack of political will that is the cause of worldwide hunger. Bread for the World is a nonpartisan Christian citizen's movement that focuses on using the power members have as citizens in a democracy to influence how government decisions affect hungry people. [26 minutes]

The recent murders of a gay college student and a doctor who performed abortions have alarmed those who believe the many public disagreements over homosexuality and abortion have helped create a climate of violence. This week in Washington, there was a conference on how religious participants could try to restore civility to the public debate. Correspondent Paul Miller attended the conference and files his report. Meet Michael Birck--a businessman running his company by the golden rule. Birke, the CEO of Tellabs, Inc., prides himself on achieving success without sacrificing his ethical standards. When his company hit tough times a few years ago, he asked senior management--including himself--to take a 20 percent pay cut and workers to shift to a four-day work week rather than imposing layoffs. After a few months, the company returned to normal and no jobs were lost. Religion & Ethics Newsweekly correspondent Judy Valente brings us the story of an extraordinary man protecting his employees as well as his profits. As the federal government makes drastic changes in its welfare system, many recipients are left wondering where to turn for help. Religion & Ethics Newsweekly correspondent Barbara Rodgers brings us the story of a church in Sacramento, California, that is picking up the pieces. Murph Emmanuel AME Church, along with 29 other churches in the Sacramento community, has pledged to help those being pushed off the welfare rolls. We take a look at the church?s programs to help former recipients transition to the wo rkforce and the impact they?ve had on one woman. [26 minutes]

News: A Surreal Season-this week, superimposed atop images of peace on earth and goodwill toward men, the House was contemplating Clinton's impeachment and bombs were falling on Iraq. RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY correspondent Paul Miller reports on the juxtaposition of the holiday season with national and international drama. RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY religion editor and correspondent Chris Roberts reports on the 50th anniversary meeting of the World Council of Churches, held last week in Harare, Zimbabwe. Representatives from churches around the world gathered to discuss the global state of Christianity. Perspectives: As the American public awaits the House vote on impeachment, spiritual advisor to President Clinton, Reverend J. Philip Wogaman and University of Chicago political ethicist Jean Bethke Elshtain discuss how this debate has impacted the public's view of privacy issues and individual responsibility, and how it is also affecting the recent discussions about America's actions against Iraq. Feature: With 75% of Americans believing in the existence of angels, RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY managing editor and correspondent Kim Lawton explores America's fascination with this subject and examines the attitudes of differing theological views -- from New Age to the traditional- toward angels. Film Review: The big-budget, animated version of the life of Moses hits movie theaters nationwide December 18th. RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY popular culture correspondent Martha Bayles gives us her review of the DreamWorks film "Prince of Egypt." Calendar: The Muslim holy season of Ramadan begins this weekend. We take a look at what the season means to the Muslim faith and how the beginning of Ramadan is effecting our international politics with Iraq. [26 minutes]

News: With the President's Impeachment and the bombing of Iraq behind us, the world turns to spiritually minded celebrations. Christmas will be celebrated in Cuba for the second time in recent history. For the first time in decades, Cubans were allowed to celebrate Christmas last year for the Pope's visit. Fidel Castro declared Christmas an official national holiday this year; however, many religious leaders in Cuba now fear the commercialization of the holiday. In the Middle East, Ramadan celebrations continue in peace. And in Spain, Jews celebrated Hanukkah for the first time in more than five centuries. The celebration was the latest example of recently established religious tolerance in Spain. Perspectives: RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY hosts a panel of distinguished journalists to discuss the major news events of 1998. Lynn Neary of National Public Radio, Jeff Sheler of US News and World Report, and David Anderson of Religion News Service take a look back at the events and people that defined the year gone by. Cover: We take a look at what the RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY staff considers to be the top ten news events of the past year. We will revisit our discussions of the fallout of the Clinton/Lewinsky scandal, the historic strides made during Pope John Paul II's 20th anniversary year, the debate over assisted suicide, and many other landmark events from 1998. Feature: A discussion with Stanley Hauerwas-a radical, controversial professor of theological ethics at the Duke University Divinity School. According to Hauerwas, Christian ethics is not so much a collection of principles and rules but is the result of being radically faithful to the teachings of Jesus. The disciples accept as absolute truth the New Testament view of reality and history, with an apocalyptic end to come. Hauerwas is best known for his emphasis on non-violence. We will also talk with him about the irony that at no time of year is the contrast between the dedicated Christian remnant and the world more apparent than during the hectic shopping days just before Christmas. Calendar: NO SEGMENT, JUST INFO. Christmas Eve-celebrated by Christians, a special feast on the night before Christmas in which the major Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament are read. It celebrates in a particular way Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Christmas-The Christian feast of Jesus' birth, celebrated on December 25th. Its observance is first attested in Rome in 336. Probably the date was chosen to oppose the feast of the "birthday of the unconquered sun" on the winter solstice. The date of January 6 for the nativity generally gave way to December 25th by the 5th century, although at Jerusalem the older custom was kept until 549 and the Armenian Church still observes it. Christmas absorbed the festive atmosphere of the Roman Saturnalia and the other pagan festivals it replaced, and has continued to accumulate " traditions," particularly in the 19th century. Kwanzaa-Kwanzaa is an African American & Pan African Holiday that celebrates family, community and culture and that is based on seven fundamental values. Those seven principles are Umojo-Unity, Kugichagalia-Self Determination, Ujima-Collective work and responsibility, Unjama-Cooperative Economics, Nia-Purpose, Kuumba-Creativity and Imani-Faith. Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday. [26 minutes]

This program featured a cover story on the most interesting stories and people covered by RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY reporters during the past year; a report from Chicago on the increasing devotion to the Virgin Mary; and a panel discussion on the year ahead, the role of religion in the future, the approach of different groups to the Millennium, the Clinton impeachment crisis, and bio-ethics. [26 minutes]

This program featured a report on a controversial decision of a district court in Jerusalem legitimizing conversions to Judaism performed by Reform and Conservative rabbis; a cover story on the ministers who preach on Black Entertainment Television's new 24-hour cable gospel station and the questionable financial promises they make on the air; and a feature on a Brooklyn grandmother whose mission is to teach her community about Islam and the observance of Ramadan, the sacred 30-day holiday. [26 minutes]

This program featured a preview of the Pope's upcoming six-day visit to the Western Hemisphere, starting in Mexico City and including a stop in St. Louis, Missouri; a cover story on the changing ethics of journalism following widespread coverage of charges of infidelity made by Hustler Magazine publisher Larry Flynt against Rep. Bob Barr (R-GA); a discussion on the ethical ramifications of a decision by the government of Iceland to sell medical and genetic information about its 270,000 residents to a private research firm; and a look at the Id-al-Fitr, the holy observance that marks the end of Ramadan. [26 minutes]

This program included a preview of the Pope's scheduled visit to St. Louis, Missouri, home of 600,000 Catholics, on January 26, concluding his Western Hemisphere trip; a cover story on the 26th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, focusing on the evolution of the pro-life movement, which has expanded its mission to take on the right-to-die movement; and a report on the efforts of Los Angeles Catholic congregations to retain members in light of the conversion of large numbers of Latinos to the Protestant Pentecostal faith. [26 minutes]

This program featured team coverage of the Pope's visit to St. Louis, Missouri, focusing on his continued opposition to the death penalty, euthanasia, abortion and racism. It included: a profile of one of the 20,000 young people who attended a youth rally with the Pope; a roundtable discussion on the impact of the Pope's visit; and a profile of Father Stan Fortuna, a Franciscan friar from the South Bronx who performed religious rap during the youth rally. [26 minutes]

This program featured a news report on the controversy over Palestinian president Yassar Arafat's decision to attend the 47th annual National Prayer Breakfast held this week in Washington, offending conservative Christian and Jewish leaders, and President Clinton's call for prayers for Arafat, the government of Israel and peacrmakers everywhere; a discussion with theologians on what President Clinton's and Monica Lewinsky's punishment for adultery might be in other historical periods, such as biblical times, the Middle Ages or Puritan New England; a profile of the Rev. Michael Eric Dyson, an energetic African American preacher, author, Columbia University professor and lecturer, who is optimistic about the power of religious fath to promote human rights as well as racial and religious harmony. [26 minutes]

This program featured a look at how the Muslim faith handles death and dying in the wake of the death of Jordan's King Hussein; a report from the Catholic School Vocations Mass and Fair in Washington, D.C., on the Catholic Church's effort to recruit new priests and nuns; a cover story on turmoil in the Sikh community in light of recent violence in British Columbia; and a feature on Chabad Lubavitcher, a sect of the ultra-orthodox Hasidim branch of Judaism, in which women cannot pray, sing, dance or shop in the presence of men. [26 minutes]

This program featured a report on the increasing problem of homelessness in America, the indifference of many Americans to it, and the controversial solutions put in place by some cities; a cover story on rising religious violence against Christians in India, the tensions between Hindus and Christians, and the Indian government's promised commitment to protecting religious minorities; a discussion on an Oregon Health Division report on the first year of Oregon's Death with Dignity Act; a profile of Dovey Roundtree, one of the first African American female officers, a prominent attorney and an ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. [26 minutes]

This program featured coverage of a Russian trial against Jehovah's Witnesses, the first legal test of the controversial Religion Law, passed in 1997, which names Russian Orthodoxy, Islam, Judaism and Buddhism as the country's only recognized religions; a cover story on the ethical issues involved in the Social Security debate, including how to structure the system to be fair to both young and old; and a conversation with some of the nation's best ministers on what makes a good preacher. [26 minutes]

This edition began with a look at how the outbreak of war in the Balkans has affected the religious community, followed by a conversation with author Tim Judah on his book, "The Serbs: History, Myth, and the Destruction of Yugoslavia", Tim Judah on the region's history and how religion has played into its centuries of conflict. The program looked at whether government should be able to interfere with religious practice, after Iraqi Muslims were forced from their annual pilgrimage to Mecca by the Saudi government, which would not give money to the Iraqis under UN mandate. This was followed by a discussion with religious scholars NT Wright and Marcus Borg on their recent book, "The Meaning of Jesus: Two Visions," which discusses the meaning of the Resurrection. As Passover began this week, the program dedicated the last segment to Seder, the ceremonial dinner held on the first two nights of Passover, discussing its meaning and how it is celebrated by Jews in America. [26 minutes]

This program featured a report looking at the way various religious denominations view the war in Kosovo and why some support it and condemn it and whether the religious community has any answers to the problem; a cover story examining the Christian holy week now being celebrated, what rituals are observed during this time, including Palm Sunday, Maundy Thrusday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday; and a feature story on the first book to make best-seller status published by a Protestant publishing company, "Apollyon," which made both the New York Times and Publisher's Weekly bestseller list. [26 minutes]

This program featured a report on the impact that the crisis in Kosovo is having on orthodox churches in America and how various religious organizations are trying to aid the refugees with food and shelter; a cover story on the meaning of the Crucifix, after a controversy was sparked at Georgetown University over whether the Crucifix is a symbol for only Christians or includes other people, followed by a discussion on the ways the Jews and Christians view the cross; and a report on how members of St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Washington, DC, celebrate the sacred holiday of Easter. [26 minutes]

This program featured two perspectives on Kosovo, from Rabbi David Saperstein and Rev. Richard John Neuhaus, who discussed the war from a Jewish and Catholic moral position; a cover story on an Oregon law being reviewed, the Religious-Shield law, which protects parents who belong to a faith healing church from being prosecuted should their children die from preventable ailments; and a feature on a recent seminar at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC, in which a new scientific theory about the creation of the universe was unveiled, looking at how this may influence the religious community. [26 minutes]

This program featured a report on how the religious community has responded to the deadly school shooting at Columbine High in Littleton, CO in which twelve people died after two classmates opened fire on the school; a feature on why teens are fascinated with death and Goth culture, in which minister Tom Beaudoin discussed the moral challenges facing Generation X; and on this year's Earth Day, a cover story on the tightening relationship between religious groups and the environment, looking at the ongoing efforts by various religious organizations to preserve the Columbia River. [26 minutes]

This series provides in-depth coverage of the top religion and ethics stories of the week as well as religious and ethical perspectives on domestic and foreign events and the arts. Hosted by veteran journalist Bob Abernethy, the series brings viewers breaking news through live and taped reports filed by a team of correspondents in the field and interviews with prominent newsmakers. With a distinguished advisory board of 25 journalists, academics and religious leaders, the series includes reviews of religion-related books, movies and music, and features close-ups of people whose beliefs have prompted them to lead extraordinary lives. [26 minutes]

This program featured a cover story on the growing trend of home schooling following the recent spate of school shootings, looking at the current status of the public school system and why so many parents are moving against it; a conversation with political philosopher Jean Bethke Elshtain of the University of Chicago on whether the bombing campaign in Kosovo should come to a halt as innocent civilians have become targets of the war and NATO accidentally bombed the Chinese embassy; and a feature taking a look at the miniseries, "Joan of Arc," to see how it has depicted the saint. [26 minutes]

This program featured a report on how the election of Ehud Barak as Israel's prime minister may affect the balance of power within the Israeli government and give more clout to Reform and Conservative Jews; a cover story looking at how Reform Judaism may make a turnaround to practicing more traditional Jewish rituals, including a return to the Hebrew language, the use of head covers and prayer shawls in Shabbat services in order to find greater spirituality; and a feature on former Notre Dame University president Father Theodore Hesburgh, talking to him about his life as one of the Catholic Church's greatest leaders. [26 minutes]

This series provides in-depth coverage of the top religion and ethics stories of the week as well as religious and ethical perspectives on domestic and foreign events and the arts. Hosted by veteran journalist Bob Abernethy, the series brings viewers breaking news through live and taped reports filed by a team of correspondents in the field and interviews with prominent newsmakers. With a distinguished advisory board of 25 journalists, academics and religious leaders, the series includes reviews of religion-related books, movies and music, and features close-ups of people whose beliefs have prompted them to lead extraordinary lives. [26 minutes]

This program featured a continued look at the recent peace deal in Kosovo with a conversation with Dr. William F. Vendley, secretary general for the World Conference on Religion and Peace International and Dr. David Steele, Director of Religion and Conflict Resolution for the Center for Strategic and International Studies; the second of a two-part series on the Dalai Lama on how Tibetan monks are attempting to preserve their culture and traditions after their homeland was occupied by the Chinese; and a feature looking at the state of the Southern Baptist Church, as the denomination prepares for its annual meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. [26 minutes]

This program featured a report addressing how the US will continue to deal with foreign crisis and looked at whether the government will address other nations faced with genocide, including Sudan where over a million lives were taken for similar reasons; a cover story looking at why the American Hindu and Orthodox Jewish communities still engage in arrange marriages; and a feature on the art of pealing, or the loud ringing of bells, and visited the Washington National Cathedral, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary of the first peal of their bells. [26 minutes]

This program featured a cover story on Ritalin, the drug established to help children with attention defecit disorder, looking at whether it should be administered so freely as it is in America and whether there are alternatives to a drug for children with behaviour problems; a conversation in which ethicist Rushworth Kidder discussed the increased ethical issues children are faced with in today's society; and a feature on how a capitalist society in Poland has lowered Catholic church attendance and affected the spiritual development of the country. [26 minutes]

This program featured a report looking at the controversy brewing behind a school voucher proposal that would allow students in lower-performing schools to use tax dollars to attend private schools, which has been criticized by some for breaching the American doctrine of a secular society; a cover story on the developments in Kosovo where returning ethnic Albanian refugees are acting out against the remaining Serbs in the region leading to Serbian Orthodox Church head Ratriarch Pavle to call for international protection; and a roundtable discussion on the moral lessons of Kosovo and how it will influence the US to become involved in more international crises. [26 minutes]

This program featured a conversation with religious-liberty attorney Oliver Thomas about what constitutes a church and whether hate groups such as the white supremacist group The World Church of the Creator can be considered a religion; a cover story looking at an alternative to hospice care for people nearing death known as Palliative Care which is a method to control terminal patients symptoms naturally and with little interference from a physician; and a profile on Father Ellwood Keiser, who founded the prestigious Humanitas prize given to Hollywood producers who have created films that inspire humans to become better people. [26 minutes]

This series provides in-depth coverage of the top religion and ethics stories of the week as well as religious and ethical perspectives on domestic and foreign events and the arts. Hosted by veteran journalist Bob Abernethy, the series brings viewers breaking news through live and taped reports filed by a team of correspondents in the field and interviews with prominent newsmakers. With a distinguished advisory board of 25 journalists, academics and religious leaders, the series includes reviews of religion-related books, movies and music, and features close-ups of people whose beliefs have prompted them to lead extraordinary lives. [26 minutes]

NEWS: Catholic-Jewish Tensions What is the status of Catholic-Jewish relations? Recently, a representative of the Vatican made news at a Tel Aviv conference on anti-Semitism when he commented that Israel was responsible for tensions between Jews and the Catholic Church. RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY correspondent Kim Lawton examines the relationship between these two groups and talks to Abraham Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League and Dr. Eugene Fisher, Associate Director - Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs for the National Council of Bishops. COVER STORY: Foreign Priests There has been a quiet shift in American Catholicism. Priests from India, Poland, Sri Lanka, Columbia and other parts of the world are being recruited and brought to the United States to compensate for the shortage of American-born priests. RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY visits a diocese in Texas which currently has 88 priests -- 53 of them foreign born. R & E correspondent Judy Valente reports on how two foreign-born priests are adapting to their new home and church. PERSPECTIVES: Dealing with Grief The nation and the world were shocked and saddened by the recent loss of John F. Kennedy, Jr., his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and sister-in-law Lauren Bessette, after their plane went down off the shores of Martha's Vineyard. How does the Catholic religion deal with tragedy and grief? R & E host Bob Abernethy talks with Father Larry Madden, pastor of the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Washington, DC about Catholic rituals and beliefs concerning death. FEATURE: Restoring the Torah It is referred to as "the living word of God." The Torah, the scroll consisting of the first five books of the Old Testament is read from daily in the Jewish prayer service. Copied by a scribe in black ink on parchment from a ritually pure animal, usually a sheep, the scroll is roughly the length of a football field. RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY takes a look at a Torah restoration in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. R & E correspondent Arthur Magida follows Neal Yerman, a sofer, also known as a scribe, as he works on a Torah recovered from the Polish town of Ostrof, where 9,000 Jews were killed by Nazis during a three-day killing spree in 1941. ~~CALENDAR: Tisha B'Av The RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY Viewer's Guide describes the Jewish observance of Tisha B'Av, which this year began on July 22, as a solemn day of mourning and fasting for the destruction of the first and second temples in Jerusalem and other tragedies in Jewish history coinciding with this date in the July. This week R & E takes a look at this religious holiday and shows how it was observed in Jerusalem. [26 minutes]

NEWS: Chinese Crackdown - An arrest order for the leader of an outlawed religious movement in China has been issued by that country' s government. All security departments and border posts are on the lookout for Li Hongzhi, founder and head of Falun Gong, the meditation group banned recently by Chinese authorities. With a membership totaling 70 million worldwide, China has deemed Falun Gong a serious threat to communist rule. RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY correspondent Kim Lawton examines the religious organization that believes in improving health through exercise and meditation with excerpts from an earlier interview with Hongzhi and talks to a human rights expert and practitioners of Falun Gong. NEWS: Kosovo - An Update - This week more than two billion dollars was pledged to rebuild Kosovo by governments and relief aid agencies around the world. The United States, which pledged $500 million, joined Japan, Germany, Britain, and various aid agencies in promising funds to repair and restore order to the war-torn area. This announcement comes on the heels of last week's discovery of 14 Serbian farmers massacred reportedly in retaliation by ethnic Albanians. RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY reporter Chris Roberts brings us up-to-date on recent developments and efforts to bring peace to the region. COVER STORY: Hinduism in America - RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY beginsit two-part look at Hinduism in America. Currently, there are approximately one million Hindus in the United States and the number of new temples being consecrated and dedicated has increased in the last decade. What are the fundamental beliefs of the religion? Is Hinduism practiced in the United States different from Hinduism practiced in India? In our first report, R & E contributing correspondent Monika Samtani follows the Harnal family from northern Virginia, who immigrated to the U.S. from south India 21 years ago and reports on how they built a home for their faith. FEATURE: Jewish Jordan - Is it possible to juggle sports and faith? "I'm just trying to be the best basketball player and the best Jew I can be at the same time." That is the tall goal for Tamir Goodman, the 6-foot-three, 17-year-old, Orthodox Jewish high school basketball wonder from Baltimore, Maryland who has already been awarded a full basketball scholarship from the University of Maryland. Conflicts between the two worlds have recently forced Goodman to leave rabbinical school for a new high school his senior year. RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY correspondent Paul Miller takes a look at this possible future NBA star and reports on Goodman's efforts to score in the temple and on the court. [26 minutes]

NEWS: Welfare Check Up - President Bill Clinton proclaimed victory this week for his administration's efforts to reduce the numbers of Americans on welfare. Speaking at the National Forum on Welfare to Work in Chicago, Clinton quoted White House figures that show a dramatic 48 percent drop of welfare recipients since the President's first term in office. The Urban Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan policy research organization out of Washington, D.C., released a study earlier this week on the state of welfare since reforms were put into place and how former participants are faring. Their report confirmed the White House's findings but added that a large number of those that have left the welfare system have low paying jobs and are struggling to make ends meet. RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY takes a look at welfare reform with a report from R & E correspondent Chris Roberts. COVER STORY: Hinduism in America: Part Two - "I guess when I was younger, whenever I thought of weddings, I always thought of brides in white, a guy in tuxedo, standing at an altar." That's Anju Bhushan Patel recollections. Born in America to Hindu immigrant parents from India, Anju and her groom Salil, decided their wedding would be a traditional Hindu ceremony with some modifications. RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY continues its two-part series, "Hinduism in America" with a look at how the second generation of American Hindus are adapting this ancient religion by incorporating elements of American culture into its practices. R & E contributing correspondent Monika Samtani talks with Anju and Salil Patel about how they practice their faith in this foreign setting. PERSPECTIVES: A Discussion on Sin - First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton commented on her husband's infidelities last week with the release of a tell-all article in Talk magazine. In the exclusive Talk interview, Clinton states, "You know in Christian theology there are sins of weakness and sins of malice, and this was a sin of weakness." RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY takes a look at Mrs. Clinton's statement and explores what Christian theology says about sin. Joining substitute host Mary Alice Williams for a roundtable discussion, will be Reverend Dr. Cornelius Plantinga, Jr., author of Not the Way It's Supposed to Be: A Breviary of Sin and dean of the Chapel for Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Jane Redmont, feminist Catholic theologian from Berkeley, California. [26 minutes]

This series provides in-depth coverage of the top religion and ethics stories of the week as well as religious and ethical perspectives on domestic and foreign events and the arts. Hosted by veteran journalist Bob Abernethy, the series brings viewers breaking news through live and taped reports filed by a team of correspondents in the field and interviews with prominent newsmakers. With a distinguished advisory board of 25 journalists, academics and religious leaders, the series includes reviews of religion-related books, movies and music, and features close-ups of people whose beliefs have prompted them to lead extraordinary lives. [26 minutes]

This week, the organization representing the nation's largest group of Lutherans elected to form an alliance with the Episcopal Church. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America voted during their annual national convention to recognize and share each other's clergy and sacraments as well as cooperate in mission projects and make joint decisions on important issues. A similar resolution was barely rejected at the Lutherans' previous national meeting two years ago. The final vote was 716 to 317, which was more than the two-thirds needed for passage. RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY reports on this controversial partnership and what it will mean in the new millennium.
Link: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America - http://www.elca.org NEWS: A new archbishop for the Orthodox Church of America was appointed this past week. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I named Metropolitan Dimitrios to replace the controversial Archbishop Spyridon, who resigned on August 19. Spyridon, who was the first American-born Archbishop, has held the post since 1996. An organized campaign by Greek Orthodox American Leaders (GOAL) had been ongoing to force the ouster of Spyridon, who was accused of being out of touch with his constituents along with financial and administrative mismanagement. RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY reports on the new leader of the Orthodox Church in America and talks to Dean G. Popps, spokesperson for GOAL about Spyridon's resignation and the church's new leadership. COVER STORY: The Centurions - "I am innocent and I've been locked up for 17 years for something I didn't do," said Ellen Reasonover, who was recently released from the Chillicothe Correctional Center in Missouri after a judge determined that she had been unfairly convicted of murder in 1983. The Centurion Ministries, a prisoner advocacy group founded in 1983 by Jim McCloskey and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, was the principal organization responsible for Reasonover's release. RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY takes a look at McCloskey's ministry that has been instrumental in obtaining freedom for Reasonover and 19 other prisoners so far. R & E contributing correspondent Steve Delaney talks to McCloskey about his mission. PROFILE: Rodney Howard-Browne - The Big Apple was recently the site ofa major evangelical undertaking. On August 13th, the Reverend Rodney Howard-Browne, who claims being inspired by a vision of the Reverend Billy Graham, completed the New York Good News Crusade, a 24-night revival held over a period of six weeks, at Madison Square Garden. Graham held a similar event in 1957 at the Garden with capacity crowds over a 16-week period. RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY correspondent Kim Lawton reviews this ambitious project. She talks to Howard-Browne about the dream that inspired the crusade and his controversial ministry and speaks to an opponent that accuses Howard-Browne of "psychological manipulation." [26 minutes]

NEWS: - The new school term is beginning and along with it are a slew ofnew and continuing church-state issues. Parents in Cleveland, Ohio were stunned and panicked after a judge suspended a four-year old school voucher plan one day before the new school year began. U. S. District Judge Solomon Oliver, Jr. ruled that the popular program should be stopped until a trial can determine if it breaches the constitutional separation of church and state. RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY also reports on the recent reverse decision by a local school board in Gulfport, Mississippi that would now allow a student to wear his Star of David necklace and other school and religion issues. COVER STORY: The Black Church and AIDS - The AIDS epidemic in the United States is disproportionately affecting African Americans. Although African Americans make up only thirteen percent of the U.S. population, they account for 57 percent of new AIDS infections. And among blacks between the ages of 25 and 44, AIDS is the leading cause of death. What has been the response of the Black Church during this crisis? RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY takes a look at the church's reaction to the HIV/AIDS problem. We focus on a Detroit grassroots organization, "Gospel Against AIDS" whose purpose is to put a face on the AIDS crisis and urge the church to respond to the problem. R & E contributing correspondent Juan Williams also talks to U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher about the church's role in dealing with the growing epidemic. Links: Balm in Gilead: http://www.balmingilead.org FEATURE: Japanese Cults - Associated Press reported last week on the abduction of a Japanese woman whose father is currently suing Aum Shinri Kyo, the cult responsible for the 1996 Tokyo nerve gas subway attack. The woman, who was released unharmed after being held for 12 hours, was pressured to convince her father to drop the suit against Aum Shinri Kyo. Even though it is one of the better known and feared cults in Japan, Aum Shinri Kyo is just one of many in Japan. RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY takes a look at the problem of religious cults in Japan and why reportedly they are growing faster there than in any other country in the world. FEATURE: World Prayer Center -- To millions of people around the world, prayer is one of the most powerful tools of faith. Several Evangelical Christian groups from the United States have built The World Prayer Center, a command center for spiritual communication. The six million dollar facility, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado is manned 24-hours a day, seven days a week by volunteers and paid staff to receive prayer requests sent by phone, fax and the Internet. RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY contributing correspondent Bob Currie reports on this new facility armed with the latest technological tools and talks with its co-founder Peter Wagner about the facility's mission, "prayer mapping" and spiritual warfare. [26 minutes]

The program featured a report looking at how a group of Chicago Catholics are incorporating their moral beliefs in their business practice and who meet regularly to address timely issues in the workplace; a feature considering the legacy of Mother Teresa, who died two years ago, by visiting Calcutta, India and speaking to a member of her original order, Sister Cyril on how she is attacking the cause of poverty; and a report on the top ten religious story of the year in light of the approaching new millennium. [26 minutes]

The program featured a look at two forums held this week to address issues for the nearly 6 million Muslim Americans living in the United States; a cover story on philosopher Peter Singer, known for his controversial stands on life and death and who recently was inducted as a chairman of Princeton's University Center for Human Values; and a report examining the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur which are celebrated this month. [26 minutes]

This program featured a cover story looking at the history of the Georgian landmark, The First African Baptist Church, which is the first Afro-American church in the United States; a report on the recent hate crime in Ft. Worth, Texas, where a 47-year old man opened fire on a Baptist church congregation and killed eight people before killing himself; and a feature on how a group of religious leaders has banned together to prohibit legislation in North Carolina that would legalize gambling. [26 minutes]

This program featured a cover story on the induction of Metropolitan Demetrios Trakatellis as the sixth Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America; a feature examining how presidential hopefuls are incorporating religion into their campaign initiatives, which has been criticized for breaching the constitutional separation of church and state; and a profile on George Weigel, the author of the soon-to-be-released biography of Pope John II. [26 minutes]

This program included a report on the success of Jubilee 2000, where a convention of worldwide religious leaders convinced the IMF and World Bank to relieve $27 billion of world debt from the poorest nations in exchange for their agreement to use the money towards education and health care; a cover story examining the status of religion in China, which is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary under Communism yet has seen a ten-fold increase in its Christian population; and a feature on what religious organizations are doing to ensure their places of worship are accessible to the handicapped and mentally challenged. [26 minutes]

This program included a report on the controversial rally held by the Southern Baptist Church, "The Feast of Tabernacle," designed to convert Jews to the SBC; a cover story looking at how celibacy affects priesthood, for which nearly 40% of parish priests have eventually left the church leaving them feeling spiritually deprived; and a feature examining why the Pope has enshrined Saint Therese to the extent of making her remains play a greater role than ever in the Catholic faith. [26 minutes]

This program included a report on how religious-based weather relief organizations are dealing with the increasing number of hurricanes sweeping the east coast this season; a look at the controversial Los Angeles church being built, which will be the largest standing Catholic cathedral but which has been criticized for its high cost; a cover story on a Duke University Medical Center study that found churchgoers to live longer than non-churchgoers, looking at the relationship between health and religion; and a feature profiling a new exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science on Hinduism, entitled, "Touching Fire: Images of Devotion in India." [26 minutes]

This program included a feature report on a controversial meeting between Rev. Jerry Falwell and Mel White to find common ground on which both can exchange ideas on their perception of homosexuality in religion; and a cover story looking at whether new technology capable of extending the chances of premature birth survival is worth the price of the mentally and physically challenging life born into, focusing on the moral dilemmas the technology presents. [26 minutes]

This program included a conversation with former President Jimmy Carter about the role religion and faith have played in his political and personal life as recounted in his recent book, "Sources of Strength: Meditations on Scripture for a Living Faith," a feature looking at how a Los Angeles church is bringing people of diverse faiths together under one place of worship as a move to ease racial tensions as the number as immigrants continues to skyrocket; and a report on the history of Gargoyles, looking at their origin and how their meaning has evolved over the years. [26 minutes]

This program included a look at the ongoing clash between Catholic universities and the Vatican; a report on how EgyptAir crash 990 has united the religious community in the United States as victims families have looked to religion for support; and a feature examining the state of the National Council of Churches as it prepares to undergo leadership changes. [26 minutes]

This program included a look at controversial Pennsylvania legislation that would relieve organ donors of a portion of their funeral costs as a way to encourage more organ donors in the state; a profile on the election of UN ambassador Andrew Young and Rev. Bob Edgar as president and general secretary of the National Council of Churches; a feature on the new use of labyrinths in religious practices; and a review on an upcoming NBC program entitled, "Mary, Mother of Nazareth." [26 minutes]

This program included a report on the verdict of a Nebraska trial that found Rev. Jimmy Creech guilty of violating United Methodist law for marrying gay men and for which he was later stripped of his pastorial duties; a look at the legislation proposed at the Catholics Bishops Conference, which would require Catholic colleges to report on the conference annually; a cover story profiling the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation, an establishment founded to teach mainstream, non-traditional Christian practitioners a way to become in touch with their spirituality; and a feature examining how Boston's Ten Point Coalition and the Dorchestser Temple Baptist Church's Youth Ministry have spearheaded a mission to prevent crime among Boston youths. [26 minutes]

This program included: a feature looking at whether the church should have a role in helping illegal immigrants coming from Mexico find a better way of life; a profile on Bishop Mary Ann Swensen, the youngest Methodist Bishop in the US, whose leadership is creating controversy within the division; and a look at the common practice of gleaning, in which people gather the grain and produce left for them by reapers to give to the poor. [26 minutes]

The program included: a report examining the issues causing controversy involving American membership in the World Trade Organization, including environmental standards and worker's rights; a feature on the meaning behind The Feast of the Immaculate Conception celebrated this week, which is celebrated as an appreciation towards Mary's devotion; and a cover story looking at new religious stories available for children, focusing on the recent release of "Journeys with Elijah: Eight Tales of the Prophet." [26 minutes]

This program included: a report looking at how US Muslims are aiding their Chechen counterparts who were forced to flee the capital of Grozny during the one-month period of Muslim worship known as Ramadan; a profile on a New York community of the ultra-Orthodox Lubavitcher Hasidim, the strictest following of Judaism in which women are restricted from many activities in the presence of males; and a feature on the AMA's decision to oppose US regulation that would ban pain management and palliative care by looking at how a Boston hospital has helped terminally ill patients die with little physician assistance. [26 minutes]

The program featured a cover story examining why the number of Christians living in Jerusalem has been on a steady decline over the past fifty years; a profile on the Virgin of Guadelope, whose life is celebrated by "The Feast Day for the Virgin" on December 12th by Latino Catholics every year; and a feature on the Washington National Cathedral's Boy Choristers, the group of male singers who converge every year to perform Handel's Messiah in Washington D.C. [26 minutes]

The program featured a roundtable discussion on the century ahead in religion; a feature examining the upcoming millennium celebration in Bethlehem, where millions will congregate to celebrate the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Christ; a feature recounting the top ten religious stories of the 20th century; and a profile on the holidays of Kwanzaa, Epiphany and the festival of 'Id al-Fitre, the feast celebrated at the end of Ramadan. [26 minutes]

This program included a report investigating why the National Council of Churches has intervened in the Elian Gonzalez case by siding with the INS to send the 6-year-old Cuban back to his father; a cover story looking at possible post-millennial disasters in the Holy Land, where tensions are heightening among Muslims, Christians, and Jews; a profile of Brother James Small, who, as a modest Jesuit school carpenter, has inspired many of the Chicago school students throughout his 30-year tenure; and a look at the beginning of the Islamic holiday Eid Al-Fitr, which celebrates the end of the month-long observance of Ramadan. [26 minutes]

This episode featured a cover story on the growing following of Bishop T.D. Jakes, the African-American Pentecostal preacher who founded the non-denominational Potter's House Church in Dallas, which now has a membership of over 22,000; a feature examining how the Catholic Church is likely to handle the possibility of Pope John Paul II's retirement from the papacy; a profile of the controversial Cardinal John O'Connor, who is celebrating his 80th birthday with a Catholic fundraiser in New York and who may step down as head of the Archdiocese of New York this year; and a look at the nationwide observance of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday on January 15th, examining whether the civil rights leader will be named one of the 20th century's martyrs, to be announced this spring. [26 minutes]

This program included a report investigating American's current struggle over abortion, looking at how the issue is playing out in this year's election and whether it is still garnering contentious debate; a cover story profiling Christian conservatives in light of the approaching caucuses and primaries; and a feature interview with Andy Kohut of the Pew Research Center, in which he discussed the upcoming presidential election, including the role of religion and religious conservatives. [26 minutes]

The program included a report on a group of Dominican nuns' efforts to lobby against current UN sanctions against Iraq, which have left the country's citizens starving from malnutrition; a cover story on a forum examining when a nation should be granted the use of military action against another for engaging in human rights violations and aggressions; and a feature on the controversy that erupted in a wealthy Chicago suburb over a church's religious freedom, in which residents protested against a local Methodist church's decision to allow the homeless to the church once a week. [26 minutes]

The program included a report on this year's National Prayer Breakfast in which members of the religious and political community gathered in Washington, DC and listened to President Clinton's last speech at the convention, where he denounced religious and ethnic intolerance around the world; a feature looking at the high number of Catholic priests who have either died of AIDS or are inflicted with the disease as reported in a recent survey; a cover story looking at the Church Health Center in Memphis, Tennessee, which is dedicated to bringing both spiritual and physical healthcare to the poor and sick; and a report on controversial leader Episcopal Bishop John Shelby Spong's retirement and release of his new book, "Here I Stand: My Struggle for a Christianity of Integrity, Love, and Equality." [26 minutes]

The program included a cover story on the rampant spousal abuse that takes place in today's society, looking at what role religion plays in women's decision to stay in abusive relationships; a feature looking behind the recent spur of violence against Christians residing in India; and a report on the forthcoming 4698 Chinese New Year, in which millions of Chinese will celebrate the holiday through religious ritual. [26 minutes]

The program included a cover story on the Protestant Church's continuing struggle with the issue of whether gays should be allowed to be married by the church after The Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music recently decided not to take a stand on homosexuality and the church; and a feature on the surge of religious practice through the Internet. [26 minutes]

The program included a report looking at the controversial California initiative, Proposition 22, which will be voted on this week and would only allow the state to recognize marriage between men and women; a cover story on Pope John II's journey to the Middle East, beginning with a visit to Egypt where the pope became the first Roman Catholic pope to visit the country; a feature on the release of an Oregon Health Division report on the findings of the state's two year Death with Dignity Act; and a report looking at various states' initiatives to require character education courses implemented into elementary, middle and high school class regimes. [26 minutes]

The program included a look at Nation of Islam's annual Saviors' Day convention, in which leader Louis Farrakhan pledged for unity with orthodox US Muslim members; a cover story looking at the moral dilemma over whether or not premature babies should live or die, looking at who makes those decisions and at what cost; a report on the divisive role that religion is taking in the Republican presidential primaries; and a feature story on the spiritual benefits of labyrinths. [26 minutes]

The program included a report on the National Association of Evangelicals' annual meeting in Washington, DC, in which the body representing over 50 protestant denominations announced a major initiative to reach out to the minority community; a cover story tracing the journey of American Abdul Alim Mubarak on his first pilgrimage to Mecca; and a feature looking at how a group of Chicago Catholic business executives are making efforts to incorporate their faith and moral beliefs in their business choices and in treating employees respectfully. [26 minutes]

The program included a report looking at the black church's efforts to educate African Americans about AIDS, which disproportionately affects the African American community across the United States; an update on the moral and ethical issues surrounding cloning, including a look at the controversial new procedure being studied known as xenotransplantation -- in which animal organs are tranplanted into humans; and a feature story looking at what changes churches are making to accommodate the physically and mentally challenged. [26 minutes]

The program included a report chronicling the Pope's historic visit to the Holy Land, including stops at Yad Vashem holocaust Memorial, an outdoor mass in Bethlehem, and to the Dehaisheh camp; a cover story including an interview with Cardinal Wiliam Keeler, archbishop of Baltimore, on the impact of the Pope's visit to the Holy Land; a feature on the continuing aftermath of the tragic Columbine shooting, in which students are learning to cope with emotional scarring; and a look at the Feast of Naw-Raz, the celebration of the Baha'i New Year. [26 minutes]

The program included a cover story looking at the impact of Pope John Paul II's visit to the Holy Land on the various religious communities of that region; a profile of a New York police captain who was changed by the sermon delivered following the police shooting of Amadou Diallo last year; and a report examining the ancient observance of fixed hour prayers as told in the newly released book, "The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime." [26 minutes]

The program included a report on the increasing number of Russian Christians, which doubled over the past seven years; a cover story examining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and a feature on how many denominations are integrating dance into their religious experience. [26 minutes]

The program included a report looking at the demonstrations outside of World Bank headquarters in Washington, DC, in defiance of IMF/World Bank policies; a cover story on the holidays observed during Holy Week, which began this week; and a feature examining the Jewish movement, "Synagogue 2000," to bring together old and new members of the faith in efforts to reinstate greater spirituality into their lives. [26 minutes]

This program included a report on the ethnic tensions in Nigeria, where domestic fighting between Muslims and Christians has resulted in hundreds of deaths as the Northern part of the country prepares for the implementation of Islamic Sharia law next year; a cover story including conversation with three women about their lives as nuns; and a look at how the story of Christ is being retold around the world, as in Germany's play, Oberammergau, which has been performed for the past ten years. [26 minutes]

This program included a cover story looking at the conflicts arising over Indiana's initiative, "Charitable Choice," which allows faith-based organizations to compete for funds to provide welfare and social programs and whether this breaches the constitution's separation of church and state; a feature examining Celtic spirituality by talking to poet John O'Donohue about his book, "Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom and Eternal Echoes: Exploring Our Yearning to Belong"; and a look at the Eastern Orthodox observance of Easter this year. [26 minutes]

This program included a feature looking at a report released by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom calling for the US to deny permanent trade relations with China until the country embraces religious freedom of Christians; a feature examining the continuing battle Protestant denominations are having with homosexual issues, which will be the focus of The United Methodists' quadrennial meeting this month; and a cover story on the legacy of Cardinal John O'Connor, New York's archbishop who died on May 3, 2000 following a battle with brain cancer. [26 minutes]

The program included a report on the United Methodist Church's quadrennial legislative meeting in which the denomination addressed the highly contentious issue of homosexuality in the church; a cover story examining recent Kentucky legislation allowing anyone to carry a concealed weapon in church; and a profile on Reverend Barbara Brown Taylor, looking at how her life has changed since she was named one of the twelve most effective preachers in the English-speaking world by Baylor University. [26 minutes]

The program included an interview with this year's winner of the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion, Freeman J. Dyson, who serves as a professor emeritus at Princeton's Institute for Advanced Study; a cover story looking at why more and more women are choosing to have children out of wedlock by choice; and a profile of Reverend Susan Johnson Cook, named the first female chaplain for New York's Police Department and who served as an advisor to President Clinton on race relations. [26 minutes]

The program included a report investigating the extent to which US foreign policy makers take ethical issues into account when engaging in relations with countries who violate human rights; a cover story looking at a new hospice program implemented by Angola Prison Warden Burl Cain in which prisoners would be buried in wooden, rather than cardboard, boxes and could volunteer to take care of dying inmates; and a feature on a small German town tradition, in which every ten years its people perform the Passion Play depicting Christ's last five days of life, which was believed to have stopped a plague from spreading in 1633. [26 minutes]

The program included a report on Reverend Billy Graham's recent Nashville crusade, which he said would be one of his last; a cover story looking at the Pensacola Brownsville Assembly of God Church revival, which is the longest running spiritual revival in history; a feature on the recent plight of underpaid Catholic Church workers, particularly teachers and hospital workers; and a look at the two upcoming religious holidays, "Change Your Mind Day," to be celebrated by Buddhists in the US, and Shavuot to be celebrated by Jews. [26 minutes]

The program included a cover story examining how Rwandans are struggling to deal with one of the worst cases of genocide in the world in 1994 and are looking to new churches for healing; a feature examining the controversial new book by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Garry Wills, entitled "Papal Sin," in which he assails the papacy and the politics of the Catholic religion; a look at the practice of speaking in tongues; and a segment on Pentecost Sunday to be observed this year on Sunday, June 11. [26 minutes]

The program featured a report on the Southern Baptist annual convention this year, in which the denomination publicly denounced women serving as pastors; an in-depth look at the implications of scientists' success in mapping the human genome, asking how the discovery of genetic information will create ethical and moral dilemmas in the future; and a profile of Edward Egan, the new head of the New York Catholic church after Cardinal John O'Conner died last month from a brain tumor. [26 minutes]

This program included reactions from the religious community on the Supreme Court's recent 6-3 ruling outlawing school-sponsored prayer before public school football games in Santa Fe, New Mexico; a cover story looking at how a North Dakota community is dealing with the sudden closing of many of its churches, after local farms and residents have moved away; and a feature on the opening of The Community of Jesus' new church in Orleans, Massachusetts. [26 minutes]

This program included a feature looking at the Supreme Court's rulings this term on abortion, gay rights and state aid to religious schools; a profile of Bryan Stevenson, head of The Equal Justice Initiative of Alabama, on his fight for Alabama inmates' rights to equal justice in light of the 77% of overturned Alabama capital murder convictions in the past 25 years; and a feature examining the growing number of Jewish day schools, which have become popular among both orthodox and non-orthodox Jews. [26 minutes]

This program included a look at the denominations holding major annual meetings this summer; an in-depth feature examining the AIDS crisis in South Africa, which could possibly wipe out a fourth of the country's population in the next two decades, looking at how the religious community is handling the devastation; a cover story on the Southern Baptist crusade to Chicago in which over 10,000 missionaries will encourage Chicago residents to convert to the religion. [26 minutes]

This program included a report on the African Methodist Episcopal Church's first appointment of a female bishop in its history after Reverend Vashti McKenzie was chosen to preside over one of the denomination's districts in Africa; a cover story examining the recent ten-day Orthodox-Catholic dialogue in which the two Christian groups met for the first time to consider possible reconciliation; a conversation with Gary Rosenblatt, publisher of The Jewish Week, who recently published a controversial in-depth feature on a New Jersey rabbi who was accused of emotionally, physically, and sexually abusing teenagers; and a feature on the growing teaching of spiritual direction, which guides people in integrating their faith in their everyday activities. [26 minutes]

This program included a report on the struggling peace talks between Israel and Palestine over the future of Jerusalem, which holds core significance to both religions; a cover story examining Kosovo one year after the war, looking at how the region is handling the ethnic division still rampant; and a feature looking at how the Episcopal, Presbyterian and United Methodist Churches stand on same-sex unions, which tops the agenda at the denominations' annual meetings being held this summer. [26 minutes]

This program included part two of a report examining Kosovo a year after the NATO bombing war and how the religious community is attempting to mend the residual distrust between the Albanians and Serbs; a feature on a controversial law proposed by French Parliamentarian Catherine Picard that would ban religious sects deemed dangerous and dishonest; and a report investigating current debate over the teaching of evolution versus creationism. [26 minutes]

The program included a report chronicling Amsterdam 2000, a conference sponsored by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association to encourage evangelists around the world in their movement; a reprise of a cover story looking at domestic violence, concentrating on why women have a hard time breaking free from an abusive partner; and a reprise of a profile on Bishop T. D. Jakes, the African-American founder of The Potter's House, a popular multiracial, non-denominational church in Texas having a membership of over 22,000. [26 minutes]

The program included a reprise of a past conversation with Al Gore's running mate, Joseph Lieberman, in which he discussed the possibility of being the first Orthodox Jew to be selected on a presidential ticket; a cover story looking at The Church Health Center in Memphis, Tennessee, which was established in 1987 as a resource to care for the sick and poor as advised in the Bible; and a feature examining the shortage of American Catholic priests and how the Church is being forced to recruit priests from foreign countries to serve under American churches. [26 minutes]

The program included a report on the National Institutes of Health's announcement of new guidelines for stem cell research, in which medical researchers could use federal funds for embryonic stem cell research, sparking criticism from pro-life groups; a cover story examining African Americans and the Catholic Church; and a profile on Rabbi Gershon Winkler, an orthodox Jew from Brooklyn who left his community for New Mexico to establish a partnership between Jews and Native Americans. [26 minutes]

The program included a report over the controversial decision of the Catholic Church to beatify Pope Pius IX, who has been condemned by critics for being anti-Semitic after being involved in the abduction of a small Jewish boy, Edgardo Mortara; a cover story on the legal, moral and ethical boundaries for religious organizations interested in supporting a presidential candidate; and a feature including Religion & Ethics Newsweekly's annual list of "Ten People to Watch," who are likely to be influential in shaping the country's spiritual landscape. [26 minutes]

The program included a cover story on elderly surgery, looking at the financial cost behind the growing trend which some medical professionals say could be the medical crisis of the future; a feature examining how religious affiliation is likely to influence voter decisions this coming presidential election and how religious denominations are voting today; and a look at the upcoming PBS' series, "On Our Own Terms," in which Bill Moyers examined how people want to die as compared with how they actually die. [26 minutes]

The program included a report on "Dabru Emet," a recent statement released by four Jewish scholars, signed by over 160 rabbis and presented by The Institute for Christian and Jewish Studies that outlined beliefs common to Christians and Jews; a cover story looking at the legal guidelines under which public schools can include religion in their teaching and a look at a Raleigh, North Carolina high school that established a religion curriculum, which they hope could serve as a prototype for school systems around the country; and a feature on the decline in national enrollment in seminary school, talking to freshman seminarians and teachers at the Mundelein Seminary, the nation's largest seminary for diocesan priests. [26 minutes]

The program includes a news report on four medical ethics issues in the news; a cover story looking at the controversial practice being carried out by nearly half of US states, which publish registries listing sex offenders and their addresses on the Internet; a feature examining the lives of American Muslim women and the hardships they confront; and a look at the life of Reverend Ellwood "Bud" Kieser, the 71-year-old Roman Catholic priest and television producer who died last week. [26 minutes]

The program includes a report on the Christian Coalition of America's annual convention in Washington, DC; a cover story on "Maafa," the commemoration ceremony established six years ago by African American minister Johnnie Ray Youngblood to deal with the painful legacy of slavery, and now followed by more than 50 African American churches; a feature on the role of parish nurses; and a report on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year to be celebrated beginning September 29, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement ending the holiday period ten days later. [26 minutes]

The program includes an in-depth report examining Catholic Charities, the largest private network of social service organizations, which provides an array of services to the poor, immigrants and refugees; a feature on California's Proposition 36, which would mandate first and second-time drug offenders to attend drug treatment programs rather than jail, looking at the debate among religious and drug treatment community about the proposal; and a look at Muslims' five-times-per-day prayer schedule and the meaning of prayer in their lives. [26 minutes]

The program includes a cover story on the impact of senator Joseph Lieberman's vice presidential candidacy on American Jewish voters this election; a news feature looking into the legal battle in Canada in which thousands of native Indians have sued the state and various churches for abuse, after the government established a program to send all Canadian Indians to state and church-run schools where many were subjected to physical and sexual violence, beginning in the late 1800s; and a report on the role of religion in the current rancor in the Middle East between Israelis and Palestinians. [26 minutes]

The program includes a news report on The Potter's House creation of a new high-tech sanctuary capable of seating 8,000 parishioners, who will be able to follow sermons on their laptops during the meetings; a cover story looking at the significance of the American Muslim vote this election; and a conversation with NASCAR chaplain Dale Beavers on his nationwide meetings with drivers about the importance of religion in one's life. [26 minutes]

The program includes a cover story on the weakening ties between Catholics and the Democratic Party; a feature profiling the increasingly popular Center for the New Age in Sedona, Arizona; and a report on a New York Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibition featuring art works of diviners, the people of African tribal religions who are believed to be able to communicate with the gods, especially through their art. [26 minutes]

The program includes a report on the Texas Baptist Convention in Corpus Christi, Texas, where the faction of the Southern Baptist congregation voted cut $5 million in funding to its parent organization; a cover story on the impact of religion in the 2000 presidential elections, looking at whether the public prefers a leader with strong religious affiliation; a feature examining how the next Supreme Court appointment could affect significant rulings on abortion, affirmative action and federalism; and a report on the Sikh's observance of Guru Nanak Day. [26 minutes]

The program included a cover story looking at two Christian organizations' campaign advocating abstinence to teens across the country; the first part of a series on conversions and how they influence one's life; a report looking at the impact of religious voters on the outcome of the election; and a profile of evangelist Billy Graham, who recently celebrated his 82nd birthday. [26 minutes]

The program included part II of a series on religious conversions; a profile on Madeleine L'Engle, the popular and sometimes controversial author who wrote "A Wrinkle in Time," among many others, in which she discussed her thoughts on being one of the top ten most banned writers in America; and a feature examining new architectural standards for churches approved at the National Conference of Catholic Bishops that guides priests and architects on appropriate church styles that reflect solid theological foundations. [26 minutes]

The program included a cover story on the state of Bosnia five years after the Dayton peace accord, looking at whether refugees have been able to return to their homeland; an in-depth feature examining the religion of the Jesuits; and a report on the beginning of Ramadan observed by Muslims worldwide. [26 minutes]

The program included a rebroadcast of a cover story on a new hospice program at Angola Prison; a feature on the movement to legalize euthanasia in the United States after the lower house of the Dutch Parliament voted to support a bill legalizing the act; a repeat profile on Reverend Barbara Brown Taylor, who was named by Baylor University as one of the twelve most effective preachers in the English-speaking world; and a look at the meaning of Ramadan to Muslims worldwide. [26 minutes]

The program included a rebroadcast of a cover story on a North Dakota community's effort to salvage its churches as residents increasingly move away; a feature looking at the pros and cons of worshiping online; and a look at two holidays celebrated this week--The Feast of the Immaculate Conception and Bhodhi Day. [26 minutes]

The program included a news feature on the aftermath of the presidential election won by Republican governor George W. Bush and how his administration is likely to influence religion; a conversation about the increasing financial crises facing nursing homes, which are going bankrupt from insufficient Medicaid payments and rising liability prices; and a look at the Jewish celebration of Hannukkah, which begins December 21st. [26 minutes]

The program included a report looking at the year in review in religion and ethics as the New Year approaches; a feature on the role of miracles in religion; and a look at Christmas as celebrated by Christians, Kwanzaa as celebrated by African Americans and Eud ul-Fitre as observed at the end of Ramadan by Muslims. [26 minutes]

The program included a report assessing the ethical and religious issues likely to be addressed during the Bush administration; a profile of Shirley Caesar, the gospel singer and North Carolina pastor recently inducted into the Gospel Music Association's Hall of Fame; and a look at the Serbian, Russian and Ukrainian Orthodox celebration of Christmas celebrated on January 7th and Epiphany on January 6th. [26 minutes]

The program included a report examining the appointment of Reverend Theodore E. McCarrick as the archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington and its environs; a cover story looking at the Drake Group, a new organization begun by faculty members of Drake University to end athletic scholarships; and a feature on the widespread movement to issue reparations to the descendents of American slaves. [26 minutes]

The program included a look at religion and infertility; a feature on a unique mass created for the hearing-impaired in Chicago; and an examination of Kumbh Mela, the sacred Hindu festival observed over six weeks in the Indian city of Allahabad, where Hindus can rid and wash away their sins. [26 minutes]

The program included a cover story examining the issues surrounding juvenile criminals being tried as adults; a profile on President George W. Bush's spiritual background and his identity as a United Methodist Christian; and a feature on the first interfaith magic show, in which a Catholic priest and a Jewish rabbi joined together to encourage children in religious exploration through magic. [26 minutes]

This series provides in-depth coverage of the top religion and ethics stories of the week as well as religious and ethical perspectives on domestic and foreign events and the arts. Hosted by veteran journalist Bob Abernethy, the series brings viewers breaking news through live and taped reports filed by a team of correspondents in the field and interviews with prominent newsmakers. [26 minutes]

The program included a report on George W. Bush's initiative allowing faith-based organizations to compete for federal dollars to provide social services; a cover story examining the controversy in a suburban town in New Jersey over the unauthorized erection of an eruv, a wire built to enclose an era inhabited by orthodox Jews, allowing them to participate in activities forbidden outdoors on the Sabbath; and a feature looking at the success of the film, "Left Behind-The Movie," which is an adaptation of a popular series of books chronicling the story of the end of time as forecasted in The Book of Revelations. [26 minutes]

The program included a report examining the Holy Land Experience, the controversial theme park recently opened in Orlando established with the direct purpose to convert Jews to Christianity; a cover story looking at recent alliances made between Catholic monasteries in India and California Catholic schools to provide additional teaching support to the short-staffed American facilities; and a feature profiling the busy life of a pastor in Illinois. [26 minutes]

The program included a review of the Nobel peace prize nominations announced early in the week, looking at the controversial nominee Stanley Williams, a convicted murderer who has spent his twenty years in prison writing books against gangs; a conversation with reformed radio disc jockey Liz Curtis Higgins about her efforts to encourage women on the everyday uses of the Bible's teachings; and a look at the meaning of embodied prayer to religions worldwide. [26 minutes]

The program included a cover story examining the Christian rehab program Teen Challenge, which has been criticized for preaching drug use to be a sin; a reprise of a segment looking at how religion has been integrated into the lives of NASCAR drivers through the organization's chaplain, Dale Beavers; and a report on the role of gospel music in the African American Church. [26 minutes]

The program included a reprise of a story on the history and beliefs of Mormonism; a reprise of a feature examining single motherhood in the new century; and a look at the five major religious observances taking place that week. [26 minutes]

The program included a conversation with this year's winner of the Templeton Prize, awarded to people who advance the world's understanding of God or spirituality; a reprise of a cover story on a new practice posting past sex offenders names and addresses on the Internet; a reprise of an earlier report on Celtic spirituality; and a look at Purim, the Jewish holiday celebrating the rescue of the Jews of an ancient Persia from a plot to destroy them. [26 minutes]

The program included a report on the Bush administration's recent effort to push its faith-based initiative; a reprise of a cover story looking at how the Rwandan community is attempting to heal from the 1994 genocide massacre through New Charismatic churches; a reprise of a feature on the Center for the New Age in Sedona, Arizona, where millions journey each year seeking spirituality; and a feature on Cardinal Theodore McCarrick's participation in a recent Washington, DC meeting of Theology on Tap, a national program sponsored by the Roman Catholic Church to offer spiritual teaching in an informal setting. [26 minutes]

The program included a feature on the opening of The Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, DC; a cover story looking at why Senegal has escaped from the AIDS epidemic--due to its strong Muslim tradition that prohibits "sexual deviance"--and a profile on the Mormon missionary school at Brigham Young University, where young men and women train for their missions. [26 minutes]

The program included a cover story looking at marriage annulments in the Catholic Church; and a feature examining the popular Bible-based weight reduction program, entitled "Weigh Down," which inspires followers to love God rather than food. [26 minutes]

The program included a cover story examining the similarities and differences in the celebration of Easter Sunday in the Western Christian and Eastern Orthodox Churches; a news feature looking at how two Philadelphia churches view government-funding towards social services provided by churches in light of President Bush's faith based initiative; a look at the meaning of Passover and Seder in Judaism; and a feature on a new PBS documentary examining the various artistic renderings of Jesus from around the world. [26 minutes]

The program included a cover story examining the every day life of hospital chaplains; a perspective on the public sentiment over President George W. Bush's faith-based initiative; a look at the religious practice of baptism; and a report on the Sikh New Year celebration Vaisakhi. [26 minutes]

This episode included a cover story looking at the pros and cons of genetically modified foods and an in-depth feature examining how Jews dealt with their issues of faith in the wake of the Holocaust. [26 minutes]

This program featured a news report on recent lobbying to Congress to help end the religion-based war in Sudan; a cover story looking at a controversial new private Christian college, Patrick Henry College, whose mission is to educate Christians to be government leaders; a feature conversation with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. George Leonard Carey, and a short profile of composer and musician Harald Rohlig looking at how his music has influenced his own personal faith. [26 minutes]

This program featured a news report behind Pope John Paul II's recent pilgrimage to Greece; a cover story on controversial legislation adopted in 37 states that mandates mentally ill Americans to take medication or face confinement; and a profile on funeral director and poet Thomas Lynch about his support of televising Timothy McVeigh's execution. [26 minutes]

This program included a feature examining the controversy over the recent establishment of the White House Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives, a cover story on the ethical and religious questions surrounding capital punishments in light of Timothy McVeigh's pending execution. [26 minutes]

This program featured a look at the practice and effects of forgiveness; a report on the controversy over US attorney general John Ashcroft's daily office prayer meetings with his staff; and a feature on the history and spirituality behind Klezmer Music. [26 minutes]

This program included a news story on the consistory called by Pope John Paul II in which Catholic cardinals met to discuss the issues facing the church in the new millennium; an in-depth look at the Quakers and their accomplishments; and a report on the recent defection of a Pennsylvania Episcopal Church from the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania for the parent churches' tolerance of same-sex unions and ordination of gays. [26 minutes]

This program included a piece on the religious and ethical issues of aborting female fetuses through the use of sonagrams in India; and a look at what people of faith with severe disabilities say about suffering -- some are angry and others say their faith has been strengthened. [26 minutes]

This program featured a cover story looking at what happens when parents are unfit to parent and when intervention is required; a feature on the sacred practice of selecting a pope and the outlook for the next conclave; and a segment on the Roman Catholic ordination ceremony. [26 minutes]

The program included a cover story examining three denominations' national meetings held that week; a look at the Supreme Court's ruling allowing a Bible club to hold meetings after school at a New York public school; and a behind-the-scenes look at the practices and beliefs of Wiccans. [26 minutes]

The program featured a cover story on the small number of married Catholic priests that were retrained and reordained as Catholics after converting from their protestant denomination; and a profile on Diana Eck, professor of comparative religion and director of the Pluralism Project at Harvard University, and author of "A New Religious America: How a Christian Country Has Become the World's Most Religiously Diverse Nation." [26 minutes]

The program included a look at the rising tensions between the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Mission in America; a cover story looking inside the Opus Dei, a controversial Roman Catholic Group practiced by former FBI agent Robert Hanssen; and a profile on Deborah Rosenthal, a renowned Jewish painter who integrates her religion into her art. [26 minutes]

The program featured a look at the congressional infighting on whether or not the government should fund controversial embryonic stem cell research; a report on the growing divide between he Asian Buddhist and Western American Buddhist communities in the US; and a feature examining the annual Women of Faith Conference. [26 minutes]

This program featured a look at why the church attendance rate abroad is drastically low; a perspective on the ethical controversies surrounding embryonic stem cell research; a report on the meaning of Confirmation in the Roman Catholic faith; and a feature on Afro-Semitic Experience, a fusing of the sacred music of Judaism and African-American Christianity. [26 minutes]

The program featured a report on two Franciscan nuns convicted of trespassing on federal property in defiance of facility that trains Latin American soldiers in techniques of repression; a cover story and profile on nonviolent activist Father Daniel Berrigan, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday; and a feature examining the increasing numbers of people living contemplative lives. [26 minutes]

The program featured a conversation on the religious debate over federal funding for embryonic stem cell research; and a cover story examining the ethics surrounding the attorney-client confidentially rule for prisoners on death row. [26 minutes]

The program discusses the House of Representatives pass on a bill banning all forms of human cloning; a look at how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints trains Mormon missionaries, classes made up of 85% males and 15% females; the consequence of the Holocaust and its ultimate test of faith for Jews; and finally, in Sicily, there are prayers for divine intervention to stop the flow of lava erupting from Mount Etna. [26 minutes]

Lucky Severson fills in as host as Religion and Ethics Newsweekly covers President Bush's decision on stem cell research and the Catholic Church's ruling on annulments and interviews poet and mortician Thomas Lynch. [26 minutes]

This program looks at the growth of Hinduism in America and the lawsuit filed against McDonald's for using small amounts of beef flavoring in their french fries -- will this lawsuit hurt the acceptance of Hindus in America? Also, Charismatics are part of one of the fastest growing religious movements of the 20th century -- a look at the draw to this movement and some individuals who are participants. [26 minutes]

This episode of RELIGION AND ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY features a piece on Bill Bright -- the founder of The Campus Crusade for Christ -- and his thoughts about his ministry and ailing health; the pros and cons of cloning -- both for medical research and reproduction; and the 18-day Paryushana Parva festival of the Jain religion. [26 minutes]

This program featured a report on the prospects for Senate passage of President Bush's proposed faith-based initiative; a cover story on the growing movement to bring palliative and hospice care to the nation's terminally ill children and their families; and a feature on the ten most interesting trends in American religion. [26 minutes]

Lucky Severson looks at the controversy over DNA sampling by police as a way to identify criminal suspects; Fred de Sam Lazaro reports from southern Sudan on the ways evangelical Christian relief groups are working with the Islamic government to build peace; cameras capture a behind-the-scenes look at the Washington National Cathedral special exhibition, "Faith and Courage: U.S. Chaplains' Service in World War II." [26 minutes]

Bob Abernethy talks with Reverend Richard Cizik and E.J. Dionne about Ronald Reagan's relationship with the Religious Right; Saul Gonzalez reports on what churches and world relief organizations are doing to help support small coffee producers around the world; Kim Lawton examines concerns by the National Review Board over the commitment by U.S. Catholic bishops to carry out the Church's sex abuse reforms. [26 minutes]

Kim Lawton talks with Michael Young from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom about the role of religion in Iraq's new government; Lucky Severson explores the debate over the Bush administration's policy of barring news photographs of war caskets; Bob Abernethy looks at a new, public charter boarding school in Washington, D.C., that is successfully preparing poor, inner-city children for college. [26 minutes]

Lucky Severson examines the growing public debate over mandatory minimum sentencing laws; Kim Lawton examines the issues over homosexuality still dividing members of the U.S. Episcopal Church; a look at the major humanitarian crisis threatening thousands of lives in Sudan's Darfur region. [26 minutes]

Fred de Sam Lazaro reports on how one Jesuit priest is using music in his missionary school to transform the lives of children from the lowest rungs of India's caste system; Judy Valente examines the definition, moral attitudes and religious views on the institution of marriage; Kim Lawton examines what John Edwards is expected to bring to the 2004 Presidential campaign in regard to religion and issues of concern to the faith community; four young boys share the experience of their novice Buddhist monk ordination. [26 minutes]

Saul Gonzalez reports on increasing Islamic tensions in the Netherlands as the country grapples with how to assimilate its growing immigrant Muslim population; Kim Lawton examines how the national debate over gay marriage is dividing the African-American Church community. [26 minutes]

Kim Lawton explores what the Democratic Party is doing to reach out more to religious communities and make meaningful connections between faith and politics; Lucky Severson examines the controversy over a Utah gun law that has prompted clergy protests and debate about the separation of church and state. [26 minutes]

Kim Lawton highlights the religious dimension of events at the Democratic National Convention in Boston; Bob Faw talks with evangelical U.S. Olympic team archer Jennifer Nichols about her faith and her sport; Saul Gonzalez reports from Los Angeles on the proliferation and popularity of "botanicas" -- special shops that feature a rich array of spiritual and religious merchandise; Bob Abernethy provides a behind-the-scenes look at a faith-based summer camp that reconnects incarcerated mothers with their children. [26 minutes]

Judy Valente examines the legal, religious and moral arguments over the issue of prolonging life for the critically ill; Betty Rollin explores the lifestyle choice by same-sex couples to have children together and raise them as part of a gay family. [26 minutes]

Lucky Severson looks at an innovative Bible study program being offered at Louisiana State Penitentiary that enables inmates to become chaplains and minister to fellow prisoners; Bob Faw explores the spiritual meaning and cultural significance behind the wearing of hats by women in the African-American Church; Rochell Berman from Chevra Kadisha, the Jewish Burial Society of Boca Raton, Florida, explains the Jewish burial tradition of "Tahara." [26 minutes]

Betty Rollin reports on the controversial debate over procreation bans that some state courts are enforcing to deal with the growing problem of "deadbeat" dads; Judy Valente visits with Catholic Bishop Gerald Kicanis in Tucson to discuss the possible filing for bankruptcy by the Archdiocese as a result of the Church sex abuse scandal; Bob Abernethy provides a behind-the-scenes look at a faith-based summer camp that reconnects incarcerated mothers with their children. [26 minutes]

Kim Lawton examines the many ways the Republican Party is reaching out to its core religious constituents -- particularly conservative Catholics and evangelicals. Dr. Akbar Ahmed from American University discusses the religious significance of the ongoing violence in Najaf and and how the intervention by the Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Husseini al-Sistani could impact efforts to end the fighting; Bob Abernethy talks with 80-year-old William Sloan Coffin, former anti-war activist and well-known Presbyterian pastor, about his views on faith, civil rights, U.S. policies in Iraq and his lifelong commitment to world peace. [26 minutes]

Kim Lawton goes behind-the-scenes of the Republican National Convention for a look at the religious dimension of events taking place there. Deborah Potter reports on a youth summer camp sponsored by Duke Divinity School for Christian teenagers; Tim Stanley from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London provides a guided tour of a new exhibition that features one of the most renowned Islamic art collections in the world. [26 minutes]

Bob Abernethy talks with Muslim scholars about whether there is any justification within Islam for acts of terrorism; Lucky Severson travels to one of the poorest pastorates in Los Angeles for a look at how one Jesuit priest -- Father Greg Boyle -- is helping hundreds of former gang members find jobs in their community; Rabbi Janet Ozur Bass and her husband, Hazzan Henrique Ozur Bass describe the meaning behind the traditions of the Jewish High Holidays. [26 minutes]

Lucky Severson examines the controversy over conservative radio talk show programs in western Montana that critics claim are sowing the seeds of hate; Kim Lawton looks at continuing tensions within the U.S. Episcopal Church over issues of homosexuality and gay unions; Bob Abernethy provides an overview of special festivities and prayer services commemorating the 350th anniversary of Jewish communal settlement in North America. [26 minutes]

Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne and Michael Cromartie from the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C., discuss the presidential debate on foreign policy with host Bob Abernethy; Tim O' Brien reports on the controversy -- and constitutionality -- of imposing the death sentence on juvenile offenders; Kim Lawton provides an update from the annual conference of the Episcopal Church's House of Bishops. [26 minutes]

Kim Lawton explores the political changes in the Catholic voting bloc that could affect the outcome of the upcoming election; Bob Faw talks with a housewife and a California filmmaker from different religious backgrounds about their decision to convert to Islam. [26 minutes]

Kim Lawton looks at how Muslim voters may impact the upcoming presidential election; Bob Abernethy hosts a studio discussion and analysis of the religious, ethical and moral dimensions of the presidential candidates' positions on domestic issues addressed in the final debate; leading yoga teacher John Schumacher describes how the practice of hatha yoga helps prepare and condition the mind and body for the spiritual path. [26 minutes]

Kim Lawton looks at the findings - and implications - of the Lambeth Commission report; Bob Abernethy talks with Army chaplain Joseph Angotti about the troops he serves and the situation they face in Iraq; young Catholic girl and boy altar servers describe what it means to them to participate in this experience and how it enriches their lives. [26 minutes]

Kim Lawton reports on the efforts by the Democratic and Republican party to win the Hispanic vote; Bob Abernethy leads a studio discussion about how the presidential candidates' faith affects their views on important value issues such as gay marriage and the environment; Muslim Chaplain Imam Yahya Hendi describes the traditional practice - and spiritual discipline - of fasting during Ramadan. [26 minutes]

Bob Abernethy is joined by correspondent Kim Lawton, John Green from the Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at the University of Akron, and other guest for a studio discussion on the impact of religious voters on the outcome of 2004 election based on exclusive exit poll data; Lucky Severson looks at reconciliation efforts to help residents of Greensboro, North Carolina, recover from a shooting 25 years ago that killed five people and created deep wounds within the community. [26 minutes]

Bob Faw looks at efforts by American Muslim women to make mosques more equal; Kim Lawton talks with John Kerry campaign "insiders" about what the Democratic Party needs to do to reach out to people of faith; Betty Rollin visits with dying Dominican nun Sister Mary Andrew Matesich for a look at how faith is giving her the strength to turn her terminal cancer into a vehicle to help others. [26 minutes]

Lucky Severson examines the controversial debate over legalizing marijuana for medical purposes; Kim Lawton provides an update on the 2004 Fall annual meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops; Judy Valente talks with moderate Christians about what can be done to improve dialogue between all faiths in the aftermath of the election. [26 minutes]

Kim Lawton explores an emerging trend among mainline and evangelical Protestants to re-examine the life and deeds of the Virgin Mary; Lucky Severson talks to philanthropist George A. Weiss about his efforts to help-inner city students. [26 minutes]

Bob Abernethy hosts a roundtable discussion focusing on the top religion and ethics news stories of the past year; Fred de Sam Lazaro reports from Bombay on efforts by India's Zoroastrian community to preserve its ethnicity, customs and teachings. [26 minutes]

Bob Abernethy hosts a roundtable discussion of the news stories expected to make headlines in the coming year; Lucky Severson talks with Reverend Lon Solomon about his ministry and his ambitious efforts to bring Christianity into the lives of others. [26 minutes]

Bob Abernethy talks with Jules Frost from World Vision about the challenges facing relief organizations in providing aid to tsunami victims; Lucky Severson reports on the controversy - and challenges -facing Christian broadcast organizations in Hong Kong and China's mainland; Judy Valente goes behind-the-scenes at the Compassion Center in Bloomington, Illinois, for a look at how church and community are working together to help the homeless. [26 minutes]

Fred de Sam Lazaro reports on how missionaries in northern Thailand are adapting their ministry to deal with the social, educational and economic influences of a global world. Kim Lawton talks with Rep. John Lewis about the spiritual legacy of the civil rights struggle; Bob Abernethy provides an update on this week's gathering of U.S. Episcopal bishops in Utah. [26 minutes]

Kim Lawton reports from Sri Lanka on both the physical and spiritual efforts being undertaken by a variety of religious leaders and organizations to help tsunami survivors; Lucky Severson looks at a new approach to treating substance abuse that combines spiritual counseling with medical treatment. [26 minutes]

Bob Abernethy talks with Sarah Lawrence College Professor Fawaz Gerges about the influence of Iraq's religious groups on the outcome of the upcoming elections; Lucky Severson looks at the benefits - and problems - of putting religion into practice on the job; Judy Valente explores the emergence of ethical- and religious-themed documentaries at this year's Sundance Film Festival. [26 minutes]

Kim Lawton talks with religious leaders about their political hopes and concerns during the President's second term in office; Lucky Severson looks at the controversy surrounding the teaching of federally-funded abstinence-only sex education in America's schools. [26 minutes]

Tim O'Brien examines two cases pending before the U.S. Supreme Court that address whether states displaying the Ten Commandments are in violation of the First Amendment's "establishment of religion" clause; Betty Rollin looks at Internet matchmaking sites that are helping religious singles find their soul mates online; Richard Townsend, curator at the Art Institute of Chicago, describes the spiritual themes and symbolism of works featured in the special exhibition, " Hero, Hawk and Open Hand." [26 minutes]

Bob Faw provides a behind-the-scenes look at a special "hip-hop" worship experience designed to reach out to inner-city youth; Kim Lawton explores the controversy over a new contemporary language translation of the Bible; Kalden Lodoe from the Tibetan Meditation Center in Frederick, Maryland, describes the spiritual relevance of "Losar" - the Tibetan New Year. [26 minutes]

Fred de Sam Lazaro explores the growing controversy over the teaching of evolution in a number of the nation's public schools; Kim Lawton reports from Northern Ireland on the meeting of the world's Anglican primates who have gathered to address reaction to the Windsor Report; Bob Abernethy talks with New Yorker cartoonist Matthew Diffee about how his faith as a devout Christian influences his work and life. [26 minutes]

Bob Abernethy talks with Dr. John Harvey from Georgetown University about the religious, ethical and medical considerations involved in end-of-life decisions; Tim O'Brien explores how far prisons must go in accommodating inmates' religious beliefs; Kim Lawton visits a Benedictine monastery in Rostrevor for a behind-the-scenes look at its mission to promote reconciliation and unity between Catholic and Protestants. [26 minutes]

Betty Rollin visits two Christian families facing the difficult choice of whether to have a child whom they know will be born with severe medical problems; Kim Lawton reports from Rome on the future challenges facing the Catholic Church and talks with Bob Abernethy about this historic time of mourning and transition as the cardinals prepare to select a new pope; Lucky Severson travels to Thailand for a behind-the-scenes look at a Buddhist monastery that provides sanctuary to wounded animals. [26 minutes]

Kim Lawton looks at reaction to the election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI and the key issues and challenges that lie ahead for the new pontiff; Kim Lawton, author David Gibson, and James Madison University professor Dr. John-Peter Pham join Bob Abernethy for a discussion of what the new papacy means for the future direction of the Catholic Church; Larry Goldbaum from the Office of Jewish Affairs at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, describes the annual Passover celebration of the Freedom Seder. [26 minutes]

Lucky Severson explores religious reaction to the controversial telecast "Justice Sunday" and what impact such evangelical efforts could have on future court appointments; New York filmmaker Menachem Daum travels to Poland to talk with residents about their past history of anti-Semitism; Marjie Mack from St. James Parish in Maryland demonstrates the growing church practice of knitting or crocheting prayers into shawls. [26 minutes]

Kim Lawton talks with author David Gibson about what the sudden resignation of America magazine editor Reverend Thomas Reese signals about future relations and dialogue between the Vatican and the U.S. Catholic Church; Fred de Sam Lazaro provides an update on international humanitarian efforts taking place in Darfur; Lucky Severson profiles producer and filmmaker Gerard Straub who has dedicated his life and work to raising awareness about world poverty. [26 minutes]

Betty Rollin explores efforts by the clergy to integrate psychology, psychiatry and psychotherapy into pastoral counseling; Kelly Hudson reports from Chicago on the Africentric ministry of Reverend Jeremiah Wright, senior pastor at Trinity United Church of Christ; Sister Magdalene Kabat from Our Lady of Czestochowa School in Chicago describes the spiritual significance of the Catholic Church's May crowning ceremony honoring Mary. [26 minutes]

Bob Abernethy talks with Tim O'Brien about the implications of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to hear a case on the constitutionality of a New Hampshire abortion law requiring parental notification; Judy Valente explores the reasons behind the closings of an increasing number of parochial schools nationwide; Kim Lawton reports on the growing scandal surrounding embattled Holy Land Patriarch Irineos; Bob Faw talks with Christian comedian Brad Stine. [26 minutes]

Lucky Severson explores the growing controversy over the move to expand states' "conscience clauses" to include pharmacists who object to dispensing medication or services they find morally objectionable; Saul Gonzalez provides a behind-the-scenes look at how the Vatican Observatory in southeastern Arizona is helping bridge the understanding between science and religion; Manjit Singh from the Guru Nanak Foundation of America Gurdwara describes the spiritual and physical discipline practiced by the Khalsa, a brotherhood of Sikhs dedicated to upholding the sacred teachings of Guru Granth Sahib. [26 minutes]

Professor Bill Placher from Wabash College in Indiana joins Bob Abernethy for a discussion of the ethical and moral concerns raised by the treatment and detention of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay; Fred de Sam Lazaro reports from Kansas on the continuing debate over teaching evolution in America's classrooms; Lucky Severson explores the ethical dilemma over mankind's efforts to save the lives of animals displaced from their natural habitats - even when they pose a danger to humans. [26 minutes]

Judy Valente explores the ethical questions raised by the actions of financially troubled corporations when they default on employee benefit pension plans; Kim Lawton talks with U.N. Ambassador Tony Hall about how his faith as an evangelical Presbyterian plays a key role in his mission to fight world hunger and human rights abuses; Mary Alice Williams reviews the re-make of the 1944 classic film, "The Bridge of San Luis Rey," based on Thornton Wilder's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about a friar seeking the truth about the existence of God. [26 minutes]

Tim O'Brien explores the U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of the First Amendment within an historical context, and looks at the implications for future church/state cases; Bob Abernethy talks with Duke University psychiatrist Dr. Harold Koenig about his the connection between faith and better health. [26 minutes]

Kim Lawton explores the diverse ways in which evangelical and mainline Protestants are rethinking Christianity for the coming generation, particularly through new theologies and forms of worship through a movement called "The Emerging Church; Lucky Severson travels to Fairfield, Iowa, for a look at how the practice of transcendental meditation is transforming a small town community. [26 minutes]

In the conclusion of this special series, Kim Lawton talks to author and pastor Brian McLaren, whose writings have played a key role in conversations about the emerging church movement; Lucky Severson reports on the ethical concerns raised by revolutionary developments in brain technology and the growing use of "smart pills" to enhance cognitive performance. [26 minutes]

Bob Abernethy talks with contributing correspondent Tim O'Brien and George Washington University Law School professor Robert Tuttle about the ethical and religious implications resulting from President Bush'sU.S. Supreme Court nomination of John G. Roberts; Saul Gonzalez reports on the forensic search in Guatemala for victims of the country's brutal civil war; Rabbis from the Orthodox Union describe the spiritual significance of preparing kosher food and the growing interest among both Jews and non-Jews in kosher products. [26 minutes]

Betty Rollin looks at the ethical concerns raised when people participate in medical research trials; Lucky Severson reports on the growing number of church groups that are using their own homes as places to explore different faiths and seek new spiritual connections; Jane Smith, a former Roman Catholic, describes her conversion to Zen Buddhism and its spiritual impact on her life. [26 minutes]

Betty Rollin explores the ethical and religious choices couples face when dealing with the issue of frozen embryos; Kim Lawton looks at a Benedictine monastery in Northern Ireland and its mission to promote reconciliation and unity between Catholic and Protestants; Fred de Sam Lazaro reports on how one Jesuit priest is using music in his missionary school to transform the lives of children from the lowest rungs of India's caste system. [26 minutes]

Betty Rollin talks with two Christian families facing the agonizing choice of whether to have a child whom they know will be born with severe medical problems; Deborah Potter visits a youth summer camp sponsored by Duke Divinity School in North Carolina; best-selling author Rabbi Harold S. Kushner shares his thoughts about the healing power of "Psalm 23." [26 minutes]

Nina Shea from Freedom House joins guest host Lucky Severson to discuss the role of religion in the drafting of Iraq's new constitution; Kim Lawton looks at the leading role American black churches are taking in spearheading grassroots' efforts to combat genocidal violence in the Sudan's Western Darfur region; Lucky Severson visits with philanthropist Gil Gillenwater for a look at how he is working through his charitable foundation "Rancho Feliz" to help struggling families in Mexico. [26 minutes]

Fred de Sam Lazaro reports on the latest medical debate over end-of-life care raised by the British court case involving a terminally ill patient; Lucky Severson explores the legal controversy over whether video companies have the right to edit offensive content from films and sell these versions to consumers without permission from the distributors; Dr. Arthur Jones, founder of the Spirituals Project, describes the historical, cultural and religious significance of African-American spirituals. [26 minutes]

Fred de Sam Lazaro reports on faith-based relief efforts underway to help the thousands of those left homeless and displaced by Hurricane Katrina; Bob Abernethy discusses the Senate confirmation hearings on U.S. Supreme Court nominee John Roberts with Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne; Bob Abernethy talks with Kenneth Feinberg, administrator of the 9-11 Victim Compensation Fund, about his personal struggle to compensate grieving families for their catastrophic loss in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks. [26 minutes]

Deborah Potter provides an update from Baton Rouge on how faith-based organizations are assisting with relief efforts and Kenneth Feinberg, administrator of the 9-11 Victims Compensation Fund, addresses the issue of compensating the victims of Hurricane Katrina; Tim O'Brien talks with Bob Abernethy about the judicial implications of John Roberts serving as Chief Justice; Kim Lawton explores the reasons for the extended delay in rebuilding St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in New York following the 9-11 terrorist attacks. [26 minutes]

Fred de Sam Lazaro goes aboard two Navy ships and rides along with the 82nd Airborne for a first-hand look at how military chaplains are helping with Hurricane Katrina relief and rescue efforts; "America" magazine editor-in-chief and international relations expert Drew Christiansen talks with Kim Lawton about the UN's moral responsibilities for the world's poor; Lucky Severson explores concerns over the separation between faith and public policy when law schools incorporate conservative Christian principles into academic curriculum. [26 minutes]

Judy Valente reports on the Vatican's nationwide review of American seminaries; Dr. Robert Franklin from the Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta,joins Bob Abernethy for a studio discussion about the need for America's religious leaders to join together to address issues of racism and poverty exposed by the hurricane disaster and help victims rebuild their communities; Kim Lawton talks with Vanessa Ochs from the University of Virginia about the spiritual importance and meaning of sacred objects in people's lives. [26 minutes]

Tim O'Brien examines an upcoming U.S. Supreme Court case that challenges Oregon's Death With Dignity Act; Kim Lawton looks at how a popular effort in Judaism, known as the Jewish Renewal Movement," is helping Jews across denominations deepen their spiritual experience; Fred de Sam Lazaro reports on a landmark Pennsylvania trial challenging the teaching of intelligent design. [26 minutes]

Bob Faw explores the growing backlash over Germany's on-going campaign to confront the atrocities of its past by spending millions of dollars on Holocaust memorials; Deborah Potter talks to former U.S. Army chaplain, Captain James Yee, about his ministry to Muslim prisoners at Guantanamo Bay; Perspectives: "Supreme Court Nominee Harriet Miers" - President George W. Bush has nominated Harriet E. Miers, his White House counsel and former personal attorney, to succeed Justice Sandra Day O'Connor on the Supreme Court. While Miers grew up Catholic, as an adult she became a born-again Christian and her faith is said to be a strong force in her life. What influence could Miers' faith have on her legal interpretations of judicial matters and the future direction of the Court? Legal affairs correspondent Tim O'Brien joins Bob Abernethy to discuss the implications of President Bush's selection of Harriet Miers as a Supreme Court Justice. [26 minutes]

Bob Abernethy talks with Washington Post foreign correspondent Anthony Shadid about Iraq's religious landscape, civil war, political Islam and the prospects for a democratic constitution; The task of rebuilding Sri Lanka, an island nation where more than 31,000 people perished when the tsunami struck last December, is being complicated by bureaucracy, poverty and 20 years of bitter civil war between the country's Buddhist Sinhala majority and the Hindu Tamil minority. Christian aid agencies and other private individuals providing relief aid to Sri Lanka, are not only faced with distinguishing between tsunami victims and the poor of the island who had no homes before the disaster, but are also caught in the middle of the conflict over who supervises emergency aid efforts. The rebel liberation Tamil Tigers insist that it, not the Sinhala-dominated government, be in charge of tsunami aid, raising tensions and threatening Sri Lanka's brokered cease fire agreement between both groups. Fred de Sam Lazaro explores the political, economic and bureaucratic challenges facing relief groups in their efforts to provide food, sanitation, temporary work and housing to tsunami survivors. Jesuit priest, Father Benjamin Miller, observes, "Almost every group sees the things they don't have and they know someone else who has what that would like to have. And they consider that they are being exploited or denied and that runs all the way down the coast, wherever the tsunami hit." Beit T'Shuvah; cameras follow a young Muslim couple from India through their first Ramadan observance in the Washington, D.C., metro area. [26 minutes]

Bob Abernethy is joined by poll analyst Professor John Green and pollster Anna Greenberg for a discussion of new survey findings on family, marriage and parenting in the context of America's religious life; Betty Rollin explores how some ministries are reaching out through faith to help family members of those who commit suicide cope with their grief and begin the healing process. [26 minutes]

Kim Lawton visits five families of differing faiths for a look at how religious affiliation influences their family structure, beliefs and practices in the first of a special four-part series exploring the intersection between faith and family in America. [26 minutes]

SEGMENT LINEUP: "Faith and Family in America, Religion and Parenting/Supreme Court Nominee Samuel Alito/Supreme Court and Brazilian Religious Rituals"
Betty Rollin explores the concerns of both traditional and nontraditional parents in raising children, gender roles in the home and how faith is transmitted from one generation to the next. Tim O'Brien joins Bob Abernethy to discuss the implications of the nomination of Federal Appeals Court Judge Samuel Alito to succeed Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and provides an update on a pending case before the High Court involving the religious rights of a Brazilian group seeking to use hallucinogenic tea leaves for use in worship ceremonies. [26 minutes]

Lucky Severson explores the cultural, social and economic challenges facing African-American families today and the impact of religion on their structures and beliefs; Fred de Sam Lazaro provides an update from Kansas and Dover, Pennsylvania, on the latest developments in the national debate over teaching intelligent design alongside evolution in high school classrooms; Kim Lawton reports from Pittsburgh on the organizational gathering of conservative Episcopalians and Anglican primates from Africa, South America and Asia. [26 minutes]

Judy Valente explores efforts by churches and congregations to bridge the gap between their own conservative faith traditions and the changing spiritual needs of non-traditional families; Kim Lawton travels to New Orleans for a look at a special jazz funeral event symbolizing the city's cultural and spiritual rebirth in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. [26 minutes]

Bob Faw looks at the difficulties and challenges facing Jewish immigrants as they try to integrate into German culture and society; Kim Lawton examines the spiritual life of author C.S. Lewis and how evangelical churches are using the Christian themes included in the film adaptation of his beloved "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" as a opportunity to spread their faith; Tim O'Brien explores the legal and ethical questions raised by the first abortion case to reach the High Court in five years. [26 minutes]

Saul Gonzalez reports from Guatemala on the investigative search by forensic anthropologists for the remains of victims in that country's brutal civil war; Kim Lawton explores the growing Protestant devotion to the Virgin Mary; Marjie Mack, a member of St. James Parish in Maryland, demonstrates the growing spiritual practice of knitting or crocheting prayers into shawls. [26 minutes]

Kate Seelye reports on the controversial debate over whether the Saudi government's rigid interpretation of Islam is contributing to world terrorism; Kim Lawton explores how the Christmas messages of comfort and joy are helping victims of Hurricane Katrina deal with the challenges they face in rebuilding their homes, communities and churches. [26 minutes]

Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne, Barbara Bradley Hagerty of National Public Radio, and Kim Lawton, managing editor for Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly, join host Bob Abernethy to discuss their predictions for those topics predicted to make headlines in 2006; Judy Valente looks at a special choir program designed to bring music and hope into the lives of homeless, abused and addicted women. [26 minutes]

Fred de Sam Lazaro reports on international relief efforts underway in Kashmir following the devastating October earthquake; Kim Lawton talks with Indian yoga master B.K.S. Iygenar; cameras capture a special concert at Carnegie Hall featuring a performance by cantor Rebecca Garfein commemorating 350 years of Jewish music. [26 minutes]

Tim O'Brien talks with Bob Abernethy about how religious and church-state issues figure in the Senate Judiciary confirmation hearings on Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito; Lucky Severson explores the growing advocacy among evangelical religious leaders to become involved in the environment movement; Kim Lawton looks at how Martin Luther King Jr.'s role as a lifelong pastor influenced his social and civil rights activism. [26 minutes]

Vatican reporter John Allen joins Bob Abernethy to discuss the release of Pope Benedict XVI's first encyclical; Lucky Severson explores the spiritual lure of New Mexico; Deborah Potter looks at the controversy over whether evangelical Christians serving as military chaplains should be allowed to proselytize. [26 minutes]

Lucky Severson explores the ethical questions raised by America's acceptance of oil subsidies provided to the nation's poor by the leftist Venezuelan government; Saul Gonzalez talks to Los Angeles rabbi Mark Borovitz about the spiritual transformation that led to his work with Jewish addicts; Rabbi Yisrael Deren of Chabad-Lubavitch describes the ritual and symbolism of the Jewish hair-cutting ceremony known as the "upsherin." [26 minutes]

Lucky Severson talks with former Hollywood executive Scott Neeson about his work to help Cambodia's abandoned, homeless and orphaned children living in Phnom Penh; Bob Abernethy explores how the German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer became an inspiring symbol for millions of Christians; Nguyen Ngoc Bich describes the seven-day festive celebration of "Tet" - the Vietnamese New Year. [26 minutes]

Bob Abernethy discusses the extreme reaction in the Muslim World to the publication of cartoon drawings of the Prophet Muhammad with George Washington University professor Dr. Seyyed Hossein Nasr; Kim Lawton examines the debate over the push to expand federal funding in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Tim O'Brien provides an update on a federal trial currently underway in Wichita, Kansas, dealing with the constitutionality of a Kansas law requiring health care professionals to tell the state about the sexual behavior of the minor children they treat. [26 minutes]

Lucky Severson travels to Cambodia for an investigative look at how the global trade in illicit antiquities is fueling wholesale destruction and looting of some of the world's most magnificent temples; Kim Lawton talks with bestselling author Anne Lamott about her candid - and quirky - approach to faith and life; Jack and Kathy Berkemeyer share a special Valentine's Day "Mass for Lovers" celebrating the re-commitment and renewal of marriage vows between Catholic couples at Old St. Patrick's Church in Chicago. [26 minutes]

Ibrahim Hooper with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) joins Bob Abernethy to discuss American Muslim reaction to the sectarian violence in Iraq and the debate over American port security, and details CAIR's launch of a major educational campaign focusing on the life and legacy of the Prophet Muhammad; Lucky Severson explores the ethical concerns raised by illegal immigration; cameras capture a special concert at Carnegie Hall featuring cantor Rebecca Garfein. [26 minutes]

Saul Gonzalez reports on how the Netherlands' reputation for tolerance is being tested by a growing immigrant Muslim population; Kim Lawton talks with Grammy Award-winning Gospel artist Donnie McClurkin about music and ministry, saints and sinners, and the controversy over his views on homosexuality. [26 minutes]

Lucky Severson explores the debate over whether doctors and pharmacists be required by law to treat patients or fill prescriptions in cases where it conflicts with their religious beliefs; Fred de Sam Lazaro reports from Bombay on efforts by India's Zoroastrians to preserve their community, customs and teachings; Professor Bob Bednar from Southwestern University discusses the religious significance and symbolism of roadside crosses. [26 minutes]

Kim Lawton talks with theologians and ethicists about whether the military action in Iraq was morally justified; Lucky Severson profiles people doing good deeds; young Catholic girls and boys describe how their participation as an altar server during Mass enriches their lives. [26 minutes]

Bob Faw looks at the ethical issues raised by new medical screening methods that help detect Down Syndrome in the early stages of fetal development; Lucky Severson reports on the religious response, particularly by the Catholic Church, to proposed revisions to U.S. immigration laws; Deborah Potter explores efforts by the Mormons to reach out to black communities. [26 minutes]

Fred de Sam Lazaro looks at efforts by the Pakistan government to scale back humanitarian aid to earthquake survivors and return them to Kashmir; Kim Lawton talks with prominent author and physician Dr. Rachel Remen about injecting meaning and values into the practice of medicine; Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum with Chabad Lubavitch of Ontario describes the significance of matzah in the Passover celebration. [26 minutes]

Lucky Severson reports on the campaign of oppression against ethnic tribes and religious groups by the Burmese military; Kim Lawton explores the professional and personal challenges faced by two first-year pastors in New Orleans ministering in the wake of Hurricane Katrina; Bob Abernethy talks with Vatican correspondent John Allen about the Pope Benedict XVI's accomplishments in the first year of his papacy. [26 minutes]

Phil Jones looks at how churches are responding when members of the clergy cross the boundaries of sexual propriety; Lucky Severson reports on the campaign of oppression against ethnic tribes and religious groups by the Burmese military. [26 minutes]

Kim Lawton explores the growing influence of the American Pentecostal movement a century after it began; Kristi Runyon examines the debate between churches and Kentucky's horse racing industry over whether to allow casinos at the racetracks; Bob Abernethy reports on the mobilization of broad coalition of Christians, Jews and Muslims to raise awareness about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Darfur. [26 minutes]

Bob Abernethy talks with Vietnam vet Lawrence Colburn, military ethicist James Turner Johnson and Navy Chaplain Commander Donald Troast about combat ethics, moral accountability and the rules of war; Deborah Potter looks at the ways in which church-based programs are providing spiritual and emotional support to adults and children coping with divorce; Kim Lawton explores the debate between religious coalitions over the proposed Marriage Protection Amendment. [26 minutes]

Fred de Sam Lazaro reports from Uganda on the debate over the balance between abstinence and the use of condoms in containing the spread of AIDS; Kim Lawton provides coverage of the 2006 Episcopal Church Convention; Bob Abernethy talks with journalist Bill Moyers about his new PBS series, "Faith and Reason." [26 minutes]

Kim Lawton concludes her on-site coverage of the U.S. Episcopal Church General Convention; Saul Gonzalez reports on a new plan to provide quality care and housing for San Francisco's homeless; Bob Abernethy talks with David E. Anderson from the Religion News Service about issues addressed at the meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). [26 minutes]

Lucky Severson reports on the growing divide between the Religious Right and scientists over health policy issues in conflict with the Bush Administration; Judy Valente explores the reasons for the declining numbers of young clergy across mainline Protestant denominations; Kim Lawton provides a behind-the-scenes look at the writings and books from the collection of Martin Luther King, Jr. highlighting his spiritual development. [26 minutes]

Lucky Severson looks at efforts by the Memphis medical and religious community to reduce the number of infant deaths due to premature birth; Jody Hassett Sanchez reports on how storefront churches are serving the spiritual needs of America's urban communities; Kim Lawton talks with Reverend Franklin Graham about his 2000 visit to North Korea, his relief ministry there and his views on America's diplomatic policy. [26 minutes]

Bob Abernethy leads a studio discussion addressing different religious and ethical perspectives on the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah; Judy Valente explores the growth and evolution of America's megachurches; and also looks at the mission and work of today's Jesuits. [26 minutes]

Bob Faw looks at the ethical issues raised by a new medical test that offers earlier detection of Down syndrome; Kim Lawton talks with Indian guru B.K.S. Iyengar about his revolutionary approach to yoga, uniting the body, mind and soul. [26 minutes]

Lucky Severson travels to Cambodia for an investigative look at how the global trade in illicit antiquities is fueling wholesale destruction and looting of some of the world's most magnificent Buddhist temples and sacred sites; Kim Lawton talks with bestselling author Anne Lamott about her candid and quirky approach to faith; Rabbi Yisrael Deren of Chabad-Lubavitch describes the ritual and symbolism of the Jewish hair-cutting ceremony for three-year old boys. [26 minutes]

Lucky Severson reports on the pastoral debate in Ohio over church involvement in politics; Kim Lawton talks with Reverend Gardner Taylor about his lifelong ministry, his involvement in the civil rights movement and the "art" of preaching. [26 minutes]

Lucky Severson explores the ethical and moral concerns over the increasing use of donor eggs by fertility clinics; Kim Lawton talks with bestselling author and Saddleback Church Pastor Rick Warren and his wife Kay about their new global initiative to mobilize churches to address some of the world's biggest problems, particularly AIDS. [26 minutes]

Lucky Severson travels to Ground Zero for a look at how St. Paul's Episcopal Chapel is providing solace and hope to those commemorating 9-11; Saul Gonzalez explores the continuing impact of 9-11 on American Muslims; Nidhi Singh explains the significance and meaning of the Hindu festival Janmashtami celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna. [26 minutes]

Kate Olson talks with Rabbi Alan Lew about how meditation can enhance traditional Jewish practice; Judy Valente visits stand-up comedian Azhar Usman for a look at how he is using humor to promote a better understanding of Muslims; South African doctor Carol Hofmeyr describes the religious symbolism contained within the Keiskamma altarpiece. [26 minutes]

Bob Abernethy leads a studio discussion focusing on reaction to the Pope Benedict XVI's controversial remarks about Islam; Kim Lawton talks with former U.S. Senator and United Nations Ambassador John Danforth about his view on religion's place in American politics; hospital chaplain Janie Brooks describes her work providing emotional support and spiritual care to sick children and their families. [26 minutes]

Lucky Severson talks with Middle East scholar Vali Nasr about the theological differences fueling the historic conflict between Sunnis and Shiites; Betty Rollin looks at a an interfaith book club that brings together Jewish, Christian and Muslim women to read and discuss works focusing on their Abrahamic faiths. [26 minutes]

Lucky Severson visits with Dr. Eric Reeves, a scholar-turned-activist crusading against violence and human rights violations in Darfur; Fred de Sam Lazaro looks at how Minnesota Democratic candidate Keith Ellison is galvanizing voters in his campaign to become the nation's first black Muslim member of Congress; curator and exhibit designer of "From Abraham to Jesus" provide a behind-the-scenes look at the largest traveling collection of ancient Holy Land artifacts to ever tour the U.S. [26 minutes]

Kim Lawton talks with Democratic leaders about the Party's efforts to reach out and connect with people of faith; Lucky Severson provides a behind-the-scenes look at how a faith-based and church-sponsored mentoring program in Indianapolis' inner city is helping urban youths turn their lives around. [26 minutes]

Kim Lawton looks at the Republican Party's relationship with religious conservatives and how the issue of gay marriage is being used to galvanize voter turnout; Bob Faw talks with Lakota Elder Basil Brave Heart about how his battle with alcohol enabled him to find new meaning and purpose in his life helping others struggling with addictions; Monu Harnal describes the spiritual significance of Hindu Goddess Lakshmi in the celebration of Diwali. [26 minutes]

Bob Abernethy leads a roundtable discussion on the role religion played in the mid-term election results; Lucky Severson reports on the controversy over the rise of "biker bars" and other commercial developments near one of Native American's most sacred sites in South Dakota; Tim O'Brien provides an update on two cases before the U.S. Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the federal law banning "partial-birth" abortions. [26 minutes]

"Men in Church" -The early Christian church was dominated by men who devoted their lives to it. But according to some accounts, men began drifting away from the Church as early as the Middle Ages and the numbers continue to decline. In his recent book, "Why Men Hate Going to Church," author David Murrow attributes this trend to the gradual feminization of worship practices, where men's interests in adventure, challenge and change are downplayed. What are some churches doing to address this issue? Judy Valente looks at how some Christian congregations are reaching out to help men re-connect with the church and create a more dynamic spiritual experience.
"E.O. Wilson" - Pulitzer Prize-winning biologist E.O. Wilson has been a long-time secular humanist, but he was raised a Southern Baptist in Alabama. So in his new book, "The Creation: An Appeal to Save Life on Earth," he uses the power of religion in a plea to an imaginary Southern Baptist minister advocating for an alliance between Christian faith and science to protect the Earth's vanishing life -in all forms. According to Dr. Wilson, the greatest threat to biodiversity is mankind's over-consumption. In response, prominent Southern Baptist minister Richard Land says Dr. Wilson's proposal is misguided - that he is too concerned about wildlife and not enough about humanity. Bob Abernethy talks with both about the Christian obligation to save creation and whether common ground can be found between their differing world views.
"U.S. Catholic Bishops' Meeting Update" - During the annual fall meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops held in Baltimore, Maryland, bishops from across the nation adopted guidelines to provide pastoral care to gay men and women and agreed to consolidate their national office. Reverend Thomas J. Reese, a fellow at the Woodstock Theological Center in Washington, D.C., discusses the implications of these votes. [26 minutes]

Cover Story: "Homeless Hospice" - Founded in 1990, Joseph's House is a unique hospice in the nation's capital that comforts the dying with a mixture of Christianity and Zen Buddhism. First envisioned by Dr. David Hilfiker in the late 1980s as a medical recovery shelter for homeless men during the epidemic spread of AIDS into the poorest communities of Washington DC., Joseph's House has now opened its doors even wider in an effort to help serve the needs of the terminally ill. Lucky Severson provides a behind-the-scenes look at the many ways in which this special facility is providing comfort and spiritual end-of-life care to homeless men and women who are in the final stages of their life.
Profile: "Leith Anderson" - The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) has been a powerful lobbying force in Washington, D.C. But the 30-million-member organization suffered a setback in late October when its president, the Reverend Ted Haggard, resigned amid a sex and drug scandal. Recently, Leith Anderson, senior pastor of Wooddale Church in Minnesota - a megachurch affiliated with the Baptist General Conference - was selected as the Association's interim president. This isn't the first time the 62-year-old has presided over the NAE. A few years ago, Rev. Anderson assumed charge of the group amid a financial crisis. In this interview with Fred de Sam Lazaro, Rev. Anderson shares his views on the issues important to the evangelical community and how he plans to provide continuity until a new NAE president is selected.
Film Review: "The Nativity Story" - In December, New Line Cinema will debut the first major theatrical release about a biblical story from a Hollywood studio since the 1950s. The feature film by evangelical Christian screenwriter Mike Rich, follows the life of the Virgin Mary and Joseph over the two-year period immediately prior to the birth of Jesus and several years afterward including the visit of the Magi and the vengeful rage of King Herod. Not only is it being aggressively marketed to Catholic and Protestant churches, but several Christian groups are promoting it as an evangelistic tool and the Vatican plans to host its own premiere of the film this Sunday. Kim Lawton takes a look at this new Hollywood offering and how it tries to add a new dimension to the familiar Christmas story. [26 minutes]

Perspectives: "A Look Ahead to the Year 2007" - What religion stories are likely to make news in the New Year? E.J. Dionne, columnist for The Washington Post and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, Jeffrey Goldberg, Washington correspondent for The New Yorker, and Rachel Zoll, religion writer for the Associated Press, join host Bob Abernethy for an annual discussion and analysis of the news stories predicted to make headlines in 2007. Among the topics discussed in this studio segment are: civil war in Iraq and the U.S. response; American intervention in re-establishing Israeli-Palestinian dialogue; the international and domestic policy agenda to be set by the new Democratic-controlled Congress; the shifting attitudes of evangelical Christians toward social and environmental issues; the threat of schism within the U.S. Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion's reaction to the Church's first female presiding bishop; the role of religion in the political process; Iran and Korea's nuclear programs; and Pope Benedict's efforts to restore the Catholic Church in Europe.
Belief and Practice: "The Hajj" - The Islamic ritual of "the Hajj," or spiritual journey to Mecca is underway in Saudi Arabia. Muslims who are physically and financially able to fulfill this obligation are expected to do so at least once in their lifetime. Over two million pilgrims are expected this year, including 30-40,000 from the United States, more than ever before. Preparations begin months in advance and special Hajj travel agencies offer package pricing including food, lodging and transportation. Imam Shaker Elsayed of Dar Al Hijrah Mosque in Falls Church, Virginia explains how Muslims prepare for this holy observance and the obligations of the "Fifth Pillar of Islam." [26 minutes]

Bob Abernethy hosts a roundtable studio discussion of the past year's top news stories impacting the faith community; Kim Lawton looks at the enduring fascination with the Christmas Star.
A Look Back at the Year 2007 - What were the top newsmaking stories of 2007? In this annual wrap-up, host Bob Abernethy is joined by John Allen, Vatican correspondent for National Catholic Reporter, Kevin Eckstrom, editor of Religion News Service, and Kim Lawton, RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY correspondent and managing editor for a studio discussion and analysis of the year's top religion news stories. Topics addressed by the panelists include: religion's role in the presidential campaigns; the realignment of the Religious Right; the Vatican's relationship with Muslims and the moral authority of the Catholic bishops; the protests by Myanmar monks; and the Episcopal Church and other major denominations' response to theological divisions over issues relating to homosexuality.
Star of Bethlehem - According to the Christmas story, a star marked the birth of Jesus and led wise men from the East, or Magi, to find the child in Bethlehem and bring him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. For centuries, the star has intrigued astronomers, historians, artists and theologians alike. Was it a one-time miracle, a literary myth, or was the star of Bethlehem an actual astronomical occurrence? Kim Lawton looks at the enduring fascination with the Christmas Star and the quest to explain its presence in the sky at the time of Jesus' birth. [26 minutes]

Tim O'Brien explores the ethical debate over the sentencing of juveniles to life in prison without parole; Lucky Severson looks at how Buddhist Shaolin monks use kung fu as an instrument for spiritual enlightenment. [26 minutes]

Kim Lawton talks with religion journalist David Gibson about the impact of the Vatican's appointment of Timothy Dolan to head New York's Archdiocese; Mary Alice Williams reports on faith-based efforts to help young adults transition out of the foster care system; Bob Abernethy visits leading theologian Reverend Forrest Church for a look at how his faith is helping him accept his terminal cancer diagnosis. [26 minutes]

Fred de Sam Lazaro reports on a special State Department delegation visit to India commemorating Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.'s historic pilgrimage there 50 years ago to pay homage to Mohandas Gandhi; Kim Lawton looks at the many ways Hispanic Americans make Holy Week come alive; Dr. Michael Walzer discusses how Passover's Exodus story has been an inspiration for social change through the ages. [26 minutes]

Bob Abernethy leads a discussion focusing on the moral and ethical debate over the use of torture; Fred de Sam Lazaro talks with Irish nun Sr. Cyril about her education efforts to help underprivileged children in Calcutta's slums; Kim Lawton reports on religious reaction to Obama's efforts to expand the role of faith during the first 100 days of his presidency. [26 minutes]

Judy Valente explores the moral concerns raised by the common practice of casual hookups taking place between college students; Kim Lawton reports from the Middle East on Pope Benedict XVI's pilgrimage to the Holy Land and joint efforts by religious leaders to bring peace to the region. [26 minutes]

Lucky Severson looks at criminal court cases in Wisconsin and Oregon challenging legal exemptions for faith-healing parents whose children have died due to lack of medical treatment; Kim Lawton provides an update on Pope Benedict's trip to the Holy Land; Bob Abernethy reports on the Catholic political divide over the decision to invite President Obama to deliver Notre Dame's commencement address. [26 minutes]

Phil Jones examines the impact of high incarceration rates on communities and efforts to reform the justice system; Lucky Severson explores reaction by the Mormon community to the controversy over support by Church leaders for Proposition 8. [26 minutes]

Bob Abernethy leads a studio discussion focusing on the shooting at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum; Betty Rollin explores the differing views, opinions and feelings of American Jews toward Israel; Lucky Severson reports on how the selection of Reverend Brad Braxton as the new senior pastor of Riverside Church in New York is causing division among congregation members. [26 minutes]

Bob Abernethy is joined by Sr. Simone Campbell from NETWORK to discuss the response by religious leaders to health care reform; Kim Lawton provides a behind-the-scenes look at "Parents Circle -Families Forum" is bringing together Israelis and Palestinians who have lost loved ones in the Middle East conflict; Bob Faw talks with artist Jim Piercey about how his work with stained glass inspires and impacts his own spiritual evolution. [26 minutes]

Interfaith Wedding - Interfaith marriage has become commonplace in this country. But, for a long time, couples chose to celebrate their weddings in one of their faith traditions - or none at all. Today, interfaith couples are often embracing both their religions. Betty Rollin provides a behind-the-scenes look at how the dual marriage celebrations of a Hindu-Sikh couple help honor each of their families' different religious traditions.
Interracial Churches - The election of Barack Obama caused many Americans to be proud of the country's movement toward racial integration, and also to re-examine the difficulties involved in that, not least in churches where 11 o'clock on Sunday morning is still the most segregated hour of the week. Lucky Severson explores efforts by churches - and the challenges they face - to establish more racially integrated congregations. [26 minutes]

Spafford Children's Center- Nestled in the walls of Jerusalem's Old City is the Spafford Children's Center, a holistic charity that helps Palestinian Muslim and Christian children deal with trauma in their lives. The Center has a colorful history, tracing its roots back to a utopian commune established by American evangelicals who immigrated to Jerusalem in the late 1800s. One of those evangelicals was Horatio Spafford, author of the beloved Christian hymn, "It Is Well With My Soul." Kim Lawton visited the center on her recent trip to Israel.
DOC T- For most women who've had a Caesarean section, natural childbirth is usually not an option. The greatest concern is the danger of a uterine rupture during a vaginal birth. While the risk is relatively low, it can be life-threatening to both mother and child, and most obstetricians and insurance companies won't endorse the practice. But there is one doctor who does. Mary Alice Williams talks with an Atlanta-based obstetrician Dr. Joseph Tate, an Orthodox Jew, about how faith guides his medical decision to perform vaginal births after C-section (VBAC) deliveries. [26 minutes]

Haiti Aftermath: Kim Lawton reports on the continuing aftermath of last week's devastating Haitian earthquake and religious and humanitarian aid efforts.
Hinduism in Modern India: India's fast growing economy is changing the lives of more and more middle class families and the ways they practice their traditional Hindu faith. Fred de Sam Lazaro visited one family in New Delhi to get a sense of how influences of the modern world play out in one of the world's oldest societies. [26 minutes]

Reiki & the Catholic Church: Kim Lawton traveled to Milwaukee to report on a religious conflict over the eastern healing technique Reiki. Practitioners place their hands on or above someone, in order, they say, to balance the body's energy centers. Advocates, including some Catholic nuns who practice Reiki, say it promotes healing. But a recent statement from the US Catholic bishops says Reiki is incompatible with Christianity.
Rescuing Child Sex Workers: It is estimated that there are as many as 50,000 sex slaves and prostitutes in Cambodia, and that one in 40 girls born in the country will be sold into sex slavery. Lucky Severson traveled to a secluded place a few hours drive south of Phnom Penh, Cambodia where Somaly Mam, a former prostitute herself, now operates sanctuaries in Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam that care for over 500 girls who were once forced into prostitution at a very young age.
Lenten Season: This coming week, Christians around the world begin observing Lent, the 40 day period of prayer and fasting before Easter. Rev. Steve Buechler of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Gaithersburg, Maryland describes some Lenten traditions in his congregation. [26 minutes]

End-of-Life Decisions: It's a topic that doesn't get talked about enough: getting patients, as well as their families, to talk about what they want at the end of life, while they still can. About 30% of Medicare's spending is on treatment given in the last year of a patient's life, treatment that for elderly with many chronic illnesses is often both painful and futile. Absent stated patient instructions, in most states physicians are obligated to continue treatment to sustain life. So although doctors think their patients should be allowed to die peacefully, their hands are tied by custom and law. Correspondent Betty Rollin reports.
The Monastic Life- Monasteries stand in contrast to the prevailing culture. They stress community over competition, service over self-interest, and, in a world of Internet, cell phones and 24-hour talk, they value listening, and silence. Correspondent Judy Valente visited the sisters at the Benedictine Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, Kansas to learn more about this chosen way of life. [26 minutes]

Profile: Marilynne Robinson- Pulitzer prize winning author Marilynne Robinson is a woman of many contradictions- a mainline Protestant Christian respectful of and respected by the secular. A writer who loves solitude but is becoming a celebrity. A quiet observer who does not shrink from criticizing the world she sees. Bob Abernethy sat down with Robinson at her Iowa home. In a candid interview, Robinson talks about how she sees holiness in everything, how she treasures the environment, what she feels her writing students can offer the world and her distress at the changing values in our culture.
Islam in Indonesia: President Obama will soon be travelling to Indonesia, visiting the nation with the world's largest Muslim population, visiting the country and here he spent part of his childhood. Since 1998, Indonesia has seen sweeping democratic reforms and with them a religious revival but one, scholars say, is evolutionary not revolutionary. Correspondent Fred de Sam Lazaro reports. [26 minutes]

Religious Hiring Rights: Should a faith-based organization that receives government money be allowed to hire employees on the basis of religion? Supporters of the policy say that is vital to maintaining a group's religious identity, but opponents say it is an unacceptable violation of civil rights. Correspondent Kim Lawton explores the controversy and how the Obama Administration is under pressure from both sides of the debate.
Moral Wounds of War: Thousands of American soldiers coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan, some after multiple tours, have struggled with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) -- nightmares, insomnia, hyper vigilance and paranoia. More and more are experiencing something even deeper, what some call a wounding of the soul. With the increase in crime and suicide among returning combat veterans Lucky Severson investigates the notion that war can actually damage or warp the soul. [26 minutes]

Israeli Settlers and Palestinians - Among the thorniest issues in the on-going Middle East peace negotiations is Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Correspondent Fred de Sam Lazaro recently went there and talked to an Israeli official, an Israeli settler and some West Bank villagers to explore the issues and the views of those who will be affected by the outcome.
Benedict in Britain: Pope Benedict the 16th travels to Great Britain this week (September 16-19), only the second pope in history to visit there. Kim Lawton explores the many issues he is confronting, including continued outrage of the clergy sex abuse scandal in Europe and tense relations between Anglicans and the Roman Catholic Church.
The Shakers - Host Bob Abernethy profiles the last three surviving Shakers, in the only remaining Shaker community, at Sabbath Day Lake in Maine. Once there were nearly 6000 Shakers in the U.S. Now they have dwindled to just two women and one man. The story explores Shaker theology and practices, including some of the best-known Shaker songs. [26 minutes]

Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz - Host Bob Abernethy profiles Israeli scholar Adin Steinsaltz as he explains his translation of the complete Babylonian Talmud, a monumental project that took him 45 years. Rabbi Steinsaltz explores Judaism's historic devotion to learning and its reliance on argument as a means to understanding.
Hospice Chaplain - Correspondent Bob Faw accompanies hospice chaplain Kerry Egan in New Bedford, Massachusetts as she listens to and consoles dying patients searching for forgiveness, comfort and the meaning of their lives.
Faith Groups and Immigration - As the Supreme Court weighs the legal challenge to Arizona's strict immigration law, Bob Abernethy and Kim Lawton speak with Catholic News Service's Patricia Zapor about the religious response to the case and why a number of faith groups oppose the law. [26 minutes]

St. Olaf Christmas Festival - For 100 years, St. Olaf College, a small Lutheran school in Minnesota, has put on a Christmas concert that has become known-and loved-around the world. Kim Lawton reports on the background and mission of the famed St. Olaf Choir.
Churches and the Disabled - Lucky Severson reports on congregations that assimilate the severely disabled. Severson speaks with Mark Pinsky, author of the book Amazing Gifts, about the loneliness of many disabled people, the awkwardness of some churchgoers in their presence and the growing need for places of worship that not only welcome the disabled but put them to work, even as evangelists. [26 minutes]

Look Ahead to 2013 - The annual discussion of religion stories likely to be in the headlines in the coming year, including faith-based expectations for the second Obama term, major court cases on gay marriage, looming healthcare coverage controversies and new challenges for religious institutions. Host Bob Abernethy, R&E Managing Editor Kim Lawton, Washington Post columnist EJ Dionne and Religion News Service Editor-in-Chief Kevin Eckstrom analyze the religion and ethics stories they expect to be covering in 2013. [26 minutes]

Solitary Confinement - The debate over whether some prisoners should be locked up by themselves heated up this week as a Senate subcommittee held hearings on the practice and the New York State prison system agreed to new guidelines for the maximum length of time prisoners may be placed in solitary. Meanwhile, a growing faith-based movement says the abuse of solitary confinement violates religious values. In the United States there are an estimated 80 thousand prisoners now locked up in small cells, 23 hours a day, sometimes for more than 40 years. Lucky Severson reports on those who say solitary is unChristian and does more harm than good. Against them are corrections officers and others who insist solitary is necessary to protect guards and other prisoners from the most violent. Severson also interviews Bobby Dellelo who spent five years in solitary and talks about the anger and rage it provoked and Mississippi's Corrections Director Christopher Epps, who removed two-thirds of Mississippi's prisoners in solitary and saw violence go down 40%.
Journey of the Real Philomena - At Sunday's Academy Awards, the movie "Philomena" is up for four Oscars, including best picture. It's based on the true story of a Catholic teenager in Ireland who became pregnant outside of marriage in the 1950s and was forced by nuns to give up her son for adoption. The movie depicts her search for him decades later, helped by a British journalist. Kim Lawton talks with the inspiration for the film, Philomena Lee and her daughter, Jane Libberton, about Philomena's journey overcoming bitterness and shame. [26 minutes]

Predicting Violence - Adrian Raine, chair of the Criminology Department at the University of Pennsylvania, has studied the brain scans of violent killers for the last 35 years. In his controversial book, The Anatomy of Violence: The Biological Roots of Crime, Raine proposes that brain scans can be used not only to predict violence but prevent it. But, as Lucky Severson reports, Raine's research raises ethical issues. Paul Wolpe, the director of Emory University's Center for Ethics, says he "cannot think of anything more dangerous" than Raine's policy recommendations.
NYC Religions - New York has been called the most secular city in America, but a project called "A Journey Through NYC Religions" is attempting to disprove that. The group is documenting every religious site in the five boroughs, street by street, alleyway by alleyway. Since 2010, they've visited more than 6,500 houses of worship. Kim Lawton talks with project founder Tony Carnes and follows along on their journey. [26 minutes]

Gun Violence and the Faith Community - This weekend, congregations across the nation are holding special services to pray for an end to gun violence. In the wake of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, and other mass shootings, a growing interfaith movement has been mobilizing for new gun restrictions. Kim Lawton reports on the movement and also talks with faith-based activists who are opposing any new gun control laws.
The Life of Dorothy Day - A radical who was arrested often for her protests against war and injustice, Dorothy Day converted to become a devout Catholic and a champion of the poor. She founded the Catholic Worker movement in 1933 and its soup kitchens continue to operate around the world. The US Catholic bishops have unanimously endorsed an investigation into whether she should be named a saint. Deborah Potter examines the life of this woman, who Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York says is indeed "a saint for our times." [26 minutes]

New Muslim Initiatives Against Extremism - As ISIS, al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups ramp up their recruiting efforts in the West, many Islamic organizations in the US are launching new initiatives aimed at preventing radicalization. They say while the number of Americans Muslims seeking to commit acts of terror is small, the issue must be addressed. Kim Lawton looks at some of the new efforts, as well as some of the controversy that surrounds them.
Women Leading the Observance of Purim - The Jewish celebration of Purim -- reading aloud the complex and heroic account in the Book of Esther of Esther's willingness to risk her life to save ancient Jews from annihilation by the King of Persia. Traditionally, among Orthodox Jews, the story was read aloud by men, but now Orthodox women are leading Purim services, too. Kim Lawton tells the story.
India's Sacred Cows - Hindu traditions in India insist that cows are sacred. So, as Fred de Sam Lazaro reports, Indians still share their most modern cities with many thousands of cows they protect in the streets and take care of until they die. [26 minutes]

Westerners Who Join Radical Islam - One estimate says 15,000 Westerners - men and women, from many countries - have enlisted in ISIS and other branches of violent, radical Islam this year. Correspondent Dan Lothian talks with experts and a former recruit about the promises, lack of knowledge, social media and other reasons some young Europeans and Americans have gone to join radical Islam.
Benefit Corporations - For-profit companies with the mission of creating both profits for their investors and long-term value for their communities, their workers and the environment. Lucky Severson reports that there are now more than a thousand so-called B-Corporations, with laws in some states allowing them to pursue their twin goals without the risk of being sued by shareholders who might be interested only in profits.
Blind Boys of Alabama - For 70 years, the Blind Boys of Alabama have been singing gospel music to inspire their audiences both with their music and their faith. Over the decades, the Blind Boys, still with some original members, have won five Grammys and been specially welcomed by the disabled. One of the members, Ricky McKinnie, says, "It's not about what you can't do. It's about what you do." [26 minutes]

Turkey's Refugees - Rising violence by ISIS and the ongoing civil war in Syria have generated what the United Nation's calls the "worst refugee crisis since World War Two." Nearly 1.6 million refugees have fled to Turkey. Managing editor Kim Lawton traveled to Istanbul and to Kilis, on the border between Turkey and Syria, for our special report about the challenges facing the refugees and how people of faith are trying to help them.
Millennials Church - Saul Gonzalez reports on Mosaic Church in Hollywood, California, a Christian house of worship that focuses on ministering to the millennial generation, young men and women born in the '80's and '90's, many of whom grew up with no strong religious beliefs but who are searching for more meaning in their lives. [26 minutes]